RaGa claims China encroachment in Ladakh, receives flak

Gandhi answering reporters at Pangong Lake, Ladakh(Image Source: ANI)

Ladakh, India: In a fresh row over the India-China border disputes, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi highlighted that grazing land has been occupied by the neighbouring country on Sunday. Gandhi alleged falsity at the claims of PM Modi that “not an inch was taken”, and prompted doubters to ask “anyone here”. While some political figures voiced their support, Gandhi has also attracted detractors.

During a bike trip to Ladakh, his first since the region acquired the status of a Union Territory in 2019, Gandhi was interviewed near Pangong Lake, who reflected on the plight of the locals, perturbed with China allegedly encroaching on land used for grazing, thus deeply affecting the livelihoods of many who call the remote hills of Ladakh home. Gandhi compared the situation on ground with the PM’s remark, suggesting that more land has been lost than the Government has reported.

Tributes, advocacy and engine oil–Gandhi’s schedule(Image Source: News18)

His comments, made after a tribute to his father, ex-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, on his birth anniversary, offer an insight on a contentious issue spanning decades. The periphery between India and China has been a theatre for tensions, flaring up considerably during the war of 1962, and haven’t died down since. The Modi administration has seen its fair share of sporadic clashes in the past 2 years, with reports that both the nations’ troops have pulled back in September 2022. Locals, however, claim that these ‘buffer zones’–no man’s lands created as a result of the non-demarcated nature of the Line of Control– include patches earlier used for grazing. Konchok Stanzin, a local politician from eastern Ladakh Chusul region, in an Outlook article in December 2022, pointed at the Indian disadvantage increasing since 1962, and asked for proper demarcation of the LOC.

Politicians have also added their voices to this chorus of frustration. “China has captured India's land and there is evidence of it as well,” said Shiv Sena politician Sanjay Raut to news agency ANI. “If the defence minister and the prime minister does not accept this, I think it is an injustice to Mother India (sic).” Congress leader Pawan Khera showed his gratitude by thanking Gandhi on X (formerly Twitter), while taking a jab at Modi, saying how “our PM whimpered a clean chit.”

Given the sensitivity of the subject at hand, Gandhi’s claims were quick to receive flak. Security expert Lt General (Retd) Sanjay Kulkarni found the Congress leader’s comments out of place. According to the army veteran, the ongoing military talks are concerning the regions Demchok and Depsang, where patrolling is restricted. Thus, according to the army veteran, Gandhi’s remarks would be “incorrect”, advising that such statements are uninvited when military talks are going on.

Former J&K Deputy CM Kavinder Gupta was dismissive of Gandhi's remarks, and lambasted the Congress' mindset "to speak against the country and not to support the soldiers." Gupta then questioned Gandhi's knowledge on Ladakh, commenting that the Congress leader was simply "on a tour", and thus, "knew nothing".

Kulkarni dissected Gandhi’s remarks in an ANI interview (Image Source: Rising Kashmir)

Border issues, however, were not the only thing on Gandhi's agenda on Sunday. “They are not happy with the status that has been given to them," said Gandhi, touching upon the supposed dissatisfaction of the locals on Ladakh's changed status as a Union Territory. According to him, the locals demanded less of a bureaucratic presence in the running of the state, with power vested more in representatives of the people. Gandhi expressed his disappointment in Ladakh getting left out from his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', thus deciding to do a "detailed tour" of the region, while lending an ear to the local qualms and pleas in the process.

How We Went Back to a Century-Old Football Tactic (& how it won City the treble)

Since time immemorial, nostalgia has always had its needle stuck inside the masses, with a chunk of the population always seeming unwilling to ditch their rose-coloured glasses behind and leave the dreamy escapes of a romanticised past. On the contrary, why invest in anything new, when the old can always be rehashed, and sold like hot cakes, be it Pixar remakes or 80s new wave pastiches. But can the same be said about football–the global sport, and well, another gargantuan financial arena. 

Ever since the inception of the PL era, "442 hoofball" as it’s so lovingly referred to, has been bid adieu to in the 90s, save for a few interesting exceptions. However, familiarity has never been the dominant beckoning call towards tactical evolution, being based rather upon simply reacting to whatever "meta" dominates the game. As the ever revolving wheel of history passes by the year 2023 AD, a tactic nearly hundred years old has not only found its way back into prominence, but it won Man City a treble.

After repeated attempts at European glory agonisingly thwarted, Pep and Co. have finally reached the summit, with a cagey, nervy victory over a resilient and typically-Italian Inter Milan. The dynamic, fluid football that is unmistakably Guardiola-esque and a press that feels more claustrophobia-inducing than being trapped in a suitcase, Pep's paint strokes find their canvas in the WM formation, a tactical relic preceding even the two World Wars. And with the adoption of the formation becoming widespread, is it here to stay, or will the wheel of history roll again, landing again on a not-so-new tactical evolution? And if so, who’s suited the best to topple Manchester City’s reign? 

From three to two;

Near the turn of the 19th century, football was largely a show of individual strength and brute force, with play generally limited to thwacking the ball forward, chasing and dribbling with it. With defence generally seen as a chore, the bias for offence was reflected subtly in the use of formations like the 1-1-8 and 1-2-7. Some balance would be brought by the introduction of the legendary 'pyramid of Cambridge' around 1880; the 2-3-5 formation becoming the English standard, ready to be exported to the world over. 

But while plucky, blue-collar Uruguay were celebrating their consecutive World Cup victories of '24 and '28, buoyed by the ‘pyramid’, Britain saw great changes being brought in the summer of 1925 to the offside rule. The amendment, largely a remedy against the stifling use of offside traps, brought down the minimum number of players required to play an opposing team's player onside from three to two (including the goalkeeper). Suddenly teams had the licence to deploy more forwards in advanced areas, and a whirlwind of topsy-turvy results ensued. Caught in that whirlwind were Arsenal, led by Herbert Chapman, with results including a 4-1 victory over Leeds United followed quickly by a baffling 7-0 loss to Newcastle. 

Charlie Buchan, Arsenal’s star inside-forward, was enraged with Chapman not seeing the obvious, and planned to retire. All Chapman needed to see was how the centre-half, in the wake of the new offside rule, had to take up more defensive duties and essentially form a three-man backline. As a knock-on effect, it made sense to withdraw both inside forwards to support the now-twin halfbacks. Viola, the WM was born, or at least, that’s how the dominant narrative goes. 

(Source: Wikipedia)

Paired with the new formation was a focus on rigid defensive structure, with dropping half-backs and forwards allowing the opposition to venture freely into the final third. This was barely a problem, as the defensive solidity ensured turnovers, and like a jack-in-the-box, Arsenal would spring into a blistering offensive. Short passing, as opposed to the ‘English’ way of long-range lobs, progressed the ball down the field, and before the opposition could regain structure, pacy wingers in Joe Hulme and Cliff Bastin either cut in, or provided crosses into the penalty box. This approach could be credited to a loss early in Chapman’s managerial career, where his team retained the majority of possession but couldn’t convert; “a team can attack too long”, he concluded, and thus perhaps came up with one of the earliest iterations of a low block tactic, long before your Simeones and Ranieris. 

Soon enough, Chapman delivered on his promise that he gave when he first stepped onto Highbury in 1925; a five year plan culminating in English silverware for Arsenal. A FA Cup in 1930, and First Division titles in the 1930-31 and 1932-33 season put an end to the trophy cabinet’s yearning. Even after Chapman’s unprecedented demise by the hands of tuberculosis during the ‘32-’33 season, the trophy cabinet wouldn’t have to wait long for new companions in the decades to come; Chapman’s blueprint serving as a rock on which future managers like Joe Shaw and George Allison would build Arsenal’s castle of dominance through the 1930s. 

(Source: thearsenalhistory.com)

Half of a system;

Such dominance naturally wasn’t unnoticed, and soon enough, the WM’s empire grew, the landscape forever altered by its footprints. Sistema, as the WM was known in Italy, would soon become an evolutionary platform. Inspired by the radical philosophies of Swiss coach Karl Rappan, modifications were brought in by Genoa manager Ottavio Barbieri in 1946, which included dropping the centre-half (known as the centromediano metodista) into the backline to mark the opposing centre-forward, with the other two fullbacks marking the opposing inside-forwards. This meant that one fullback would remain free (wink wink), and can act as a last line of defence, sweeping up the space just ahead of the goalkeeper. 

(Source: Wikipedia)

The mezzosistema (half system), as the altered tactic was christened, was necessary for smaller teams, as duels arising from man-marking weren’t always egalitarian, given the economic disparities between clubs. But managers like Nereo Rocco and Helenio Herrera were not interested in being the underdogs, pairing ruthless defending with equally blistering counter-offensive approaches. The latter took it a step even further, lining his Inter Milan side in a 5-3-2 as he dominated Serie A along with two European Cups in the 60s. For any opposition, getting through this “door bolt”-like backline seemed Herculean, if not nigh-on impossible. Ring any bells?

Like the vibration of a door slammed shut, it didn’t take long for catenaccio to ripple through and even outside the realm of club football, with Feruccio Valcareggi’s vision shaping the Italian national team in the 60s. A ruthless and unwavering focus to defending was complemented with a backline that consisted of a sweeper, deployed behind two man-marking central defenders and a fullback. As a result, the Azzuri during this era were known to score less, and concede even lesser. For Valcareggi, despite the rampant complaints and controversies surrounding his dull and slow football, this was all that mattered, and one could say that he could show for it, his achievements including winning the 1968 Euros, and making it to the finale of the 1970 World Cup. Ironically, it would be the latter match that would set about the church bells tolling for catenaccio, with a supremely fluid, exciting and attack-minded Brazilian side defeating them 4-1 that day in Mexico. 

(Source: Cesare Galimberti for OLYMPIA / OLYCOM)

The beginning of the end, however, was already in place, with Jock Stein’s Celtic cracking open Herrera’s Inter in the final of the 1967 European Cup, with a brand of football centred around creative offence harkening back to the era of the Magical Magyars. “It's so sad to see such gifted players shackled by a system that restricts their freedom to think and to act. Our fans would never accept that sort of sterile approach.” said Stein about Inter, in a post-match interview. It would be Stein’s Celtic that would provide the blueprint for a certain Rinus Michels in the 70s, whose Ajax beat Inter 2-0 for the 1972 European Cup. Perhaps for the first time, a murder was being reported exuberantly in the Dutch newspapers; the murderer being “Total Football”, the victim—catenaccio.

Catenaccio still perseveres, however, given that its genesis was rooted in an attempt to level the playing field, and in the current economic landscape of football, one can see and appreciate the utility of smaller teams sitting deep, and capitalising on the counter. A couple of hundred million dollars can, sometimes, fail to break through the good ol’, modest door bolt.

Inverted flight;

Stein’s Celtic, Michels’ Ajax and the Brazilian national team of 1970 had a lot of similarities, which centred around the 4-2-4, a tactic developed as an answer to the WM, and credited to Flavio Costa, the coach for the Brazilian national team in the early 50s, and Bela Guttmann, one of the most crucial Hungarian figures in terms of revolutionising the game. Like Chapman before, the idea that a strong defence is necessary to launch a strong offence returns. In effect the “diagonal system”, as Costa named it initially, could use six defenders and six forwards whenever needed, with the versatility and adaptability of the two midfielders being the foundational pillar, which could be targeted by oppositions. 

(Source: Wikipedia)

To remedy their potential overburdening, all players, including defenders were encouraged to treat the pitch as a canvas, and to use their tactical intelligence to venture forwards and initiate attacks, with positional rotations happening all across the field. Little by little, football was rapidly going through a modernization process, with the 4-2-4 eventually giving way to the 4-4-2 and the 4-3-3, which would dominate the latter half of the 20th century, and even beyond.

It would take some 80 years from Chapman’s tenure at Arsenal for the WM to get one of it’s first tastes of the 21st century sun. Coincidentally, the catalyst would be another Arsenal icon in Patrick Vieira. His managerial stint at New York FC from 2015 to 2018 was regarded by many pundits as successful, the MLS side rising from a lowly 17th in Vieira’s debut season, to runners-up in 2017. While the WM wasn’t a common tool in his repertoire, it made its appearance in a league game against Toronto FC in March 2016, ending in a 2-2 draw, highlighting the tactical diversity the French player-turned-manager possesses. 

6 years earlier, on the other edge of the pond, Pep Guardiola was just flirting with the idea of retro formations. His near-unconquerable Barcelona were ruling the roost domestically and on the continental turf, and naturally that gave way to several sides protesting that dominance by sitting in a low block. As a response, Pep took a risky approach, having both of his fullbacks push high and overlap his wingers, as opposed to the more conventional option of just one fullback providing width. This facilitated quick switches of play, allowing the Blaugrana to find cracks in even the most compact of defences. Not exactly sitting in a WM, but the shape was more resembling the WW. But as history would tell, this wouldn’t be Pep’s first brush with the letter W.

“What has been will be again”;

If history is just a cycle of events hellbent on repeating after regular intervals, does this herald yet another reign of the glorious 4-4-2? While teams that tend to sit deeper and create chances on the counter have historically posed trouble for City, the WM was exactly the kind of change that allowed Pep’s side to bolster defensive cover while not sacrificing any attacking commitment. Even then, City’s success can’t be boiled down to a system, as Pep has transformed a talented side into a collective that is more than the sum of its parts, with every player leaving their own brushstroke on the pitch-like canvas, as Costa posited. 

The new age of football looks to win the war off the pitch, with greater implementation and investment in fields of data science, sports science along with professional courses aimed at refining the business side of a football club. On the pitch, the idea that a single system or formation can win you games has become passé, the name of the game being flexibility in real time, and greater tactical intelligence demanded from every single player. It would require dazzling personnel on and off the pitch, with the administration and business side of the club providing a healthy platform for sustained success. 

With the pandemic causing destruction in its wake, it has left top clubs with a lot of housekeeping to do in a backdrop of ever-tightening FFP rules. Barcelona have been relentlessly chipping away at their monumental debt, while Liverpool attempt to halt the revolving door of sporting directors. As if Italian clubs weren’t already ruing the lack of money in the domestic league, Juventus have added to their misery by reliving their Calciopoli days. Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG look forward with cautious optimism, all three sides with varying degrees of a squad makeover, but have their own caveats and challenges to juggle.

But then again, football has a habit to lull spectators in a false sense of certainty. As the Women’s World Cup reaches it’s conclusion, in a tournament filled with upsets and arrivals of unpopular names, Spain are in the running to capture the ultimate prize. If you would have told this to anyone barely in touch with the ‘Las 15’ controversy which threatened to disintegrate the campaign of the Spanish women’s national team, they would’ve laughed at you. 

Spain leave it late again and seal first-ever finals spot in thrilling win over Sweden

Arriving late, but with style; Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Auckland, NZ: In front of a sell-out crowd in Eden Park, Auckland, Spain continue their dramatic journey through the World Cup, booking a place in the finals by defeating Sweden 2-1. 

A match bursting alive in the final 10 minutes saw teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo coming off the bench to put her side ahead, before Rebecka Blomqvist's volley levelled things just 7 minutes later. With extra time looking imminent, Olga Carmona nicked a late winner under Sweden's noses to set up a date with either co-hosts Australia or England to battle for the ultimate prize in Sydney on Sunday.

"We are waiting to know our opponent (in the final)," said Spanish head coach Jorge Vilda. "We know both teams well. We are in the final of a World Cup. My hair is standing on its ends."

Considering the heavy controversy that the coach was embroiled in, which saw 15 players demand for his resignation in the buildup to the tournament, not many tipped Spain to make it far, let alone a place in the finals. In Eden Park, they were faced with Sweden, looking to end their streak of exits from the semi-final stage and aim for the big one.

Driven by their respective motivations, both sides displayed their intents fairly early; Spain cycling the ball around, culminating in a dangerous cross in the box getting cleared, while Sweden looked to move quickly on the counter, finding Stina Blackstenius in oceans of space in the 4th minute, with the Arsenal striker getting closed down by La Roja eventually.

This would remain the dominant tone of the tie, a cagey cat-and-mouse game with neither side producing enough finesse in the final third to score. Alba Redondo was at the receiving end of many teasing crosses, but it would be long before Spain could register a shot on target.  Despite the balances slightly against their favour, Sweden would salvage the first real opportunity at goal, when Carmona's botched clearance in the 43rd minute made its way to Nathalie Bjorn, her cross finding Fridolina Rolfo at the far post, with the resulting volley from close-range getting denied by Cata Coll.

Rolfo (right) shooting at goal in the first half; Phil Walter/Getty Images

With only 45 more minutes to avoid extra time, and possibly penalties, there was, understandably, more urgency. Sweden appeared to have slightly polished up their offence, with half-hearted shots coming from Blackstenius and Rolfo. Redondo would miss out another golden opportunity before getting subbed out, as she couldn't swipe the ball into an open net after Paralluelo kept the ball in play in the 71st minute. 

Talking about Paralluelo, as if it was written in the stars, she would yet again be found at the crime scene of what seemed like a late winner. A whipped cross from Hermoso headed away by the Swedes, only for Paralluelo to exploit the disarrayed defence and squeeze a shot through the opposition's legs, and around Musovic's gloves to make it 1-0 at the 81st minute.

Pure character from a rising star in Paralluelo; Phil Walter/Getty Images

However things were merely starting to brew in Auckland, as after a quick huddle, Sweden persevered, and it was yet again a substitute changing the fate of the tie. Lina Hurtig, the penalty hero against USA, would nod a cross right into Blomqvist's path, her thundering volley nestling into the back of the net in the 88th minute. 

Before the 43,000 strong crowd could even attempt to process the chaos on the pitch, Spain immediately capitalised on a short corner, with Carmona whistling a shot past Musovic, the ball bouncing off the underside of the crossbar and rattling into the net.

A belter and a half from Carmona to seal the deal; Jose Breton/Getty Images

For a World Cup campaign built on tensions and distrust, and the sole blemish in the form of their 4-0 loss against Japan, the Spanish have written themselves a fanciful story, a blockbuster 10 minutes preceding what could be a final for the ages. No matter what happens, shockwaves are bound to be felt across the field of women's football. 

Australia hangs on to home World Cup dreams and progress to last-4 after dramatic win over France on penalties

Pure, unadulterated joy for an entire nation; Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Brisbane, Australia: After nearly three hours of nail-biting drama, the home crowd in green and gold were rewarded with a historic moment, as Australia progressed into the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time, beating France 7-6 on penalties. 

A penalty shootout with endless twists and relentless tension saw Aussie goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold produce crucial saves and opportunities for the Matildas to settle the shootout early, with substitute Courtnee Vine eventually slotting home the decider. A match which has already broken Australian TV records, the Matildas are just 90 minutes away from playing a final on home-soil, with England the final hurdle and their semi-finals opponents in Sydney on Wednesday.

The deciding moment, delivered by Vine; Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

“It makes you feel alive… this is what life is about, creating memories with the ones with the ones you love the most," said Aussie head coach Tony Gustavsson. "To be able to do that tonight with this team has been amazing."

The victory felt more fulfilling considering the performance of the French throughout the majority of the 120 minutes. The first to settle in, Les Bleus were ferocious in their free-flowing, speedy offence, while proactive and disciplined in their defence, with the backline ready to clip the wings of speedy forwards in Raso and Foord.

The result was wave after wave of pressure absorbed by the Matilda defence. Kadidiatou Diani almost caught them napping in the 8th minute, when a poor clearance by Alana Kennedy allowed Diani to sizzle a shot, missing the goal by mere inches. Another crucial opportunity landed at the doorsteps of Maelle Lakrar in the 12th, an easy tap-in flying way over the crossbar amidst the chaos from a French corner.

Arnold would be tested numerous times, with any offensive attempt from Australia fizzling out in the final third. But as half-time loomed nearer, the imperious French defence started to show some cracks, with Peynard-Magnin failing to close down on a cutback by Raso. Emily van Egmond would tip the loose ball towards Mary Fowler for an easy shot at an open goal, only for Elisa De Almeida's last-gasp interception keeping the scoreline intact. Peynard-Magnin would be tested again just a few minutes later, as a masterful throughball found Fowler in the box, her shot duly smothered by the French goalie.

Fowler (in yellow) denied from close-range; Elsa/Getty Images

After perhaps a rousing half-time speech, Australia were a team reborn in the second half. Pressing high in France's half, chances came in a flurry, and mistakes too. Sam Kerr was subbed on shortly after, her first contribution helping Raso make a magnificent effort for goal, with Peynard-Magnin producing an equally great save. She would let herself down a couple of minutes later, gifting the ball to Fowler in her own box, the resulting shot denied by a crucial block.

Despite this early storm and the electrifying atmosphere, the co-hosts were the ones not making the most of their opportunities as France clung on. Frustration was clearly settling in, the cagey tone highlighted when Gorry's high boot met Le Sommer's face, her nose now adorning a bright red bruise. The bodies continued to take a knock, when in the 84th, a seemingly innocuous goal kick looked to be in control of Lakrar, only for Foord to sneak the ball from her. A lucrative opportunity at goal would be denied as Karchaoui flung herself at the ball, requiring some medical assistance afterwards.

In extra time, France would reclaim some of their offensive edge from the first half, linking up nicely through the thirds and winning set pieces. It would be a set piece–a corner won controversially by super-sub Vicki Becho in the 100th minute–that looked to have sealed the tie for France, as Kennedy headed the ball in her own net. The horror from her face took time to erase, even when the referee quickly disallowed the goal, spotting a foul from Renard.

Australia saved from a heartbreaking conclusion; Elsa/Getty Images

The latter half of extra time would bring forth even more opportunities for the French. With oceans of space around her, Diani would receive the ball and set up Becho, her shot from the edge of the box brilliantly poked away by Arnold in the 107th. Just a few minutes later, Aussie hearts would be in mouths when Geyoro's low cross would graze by Arnold's gloves, with only a desperate intervention from Catley denying Becho an easy tap-in.

With just a few sparks of counter-offence in response, the two sides had no choice but to be only separated on penalties, with French coach Herve Renard swapping his goalies, bringing in penalty specialist Solene Durand. But it would be her counterpart Arnold stealing the thunder, saving the first penalty of the shootout from Selma Bacha and sending Brisbane into delirium. France would then be given one of their first lifelines when skipper Steph Catley's effort was saved. 

Arnold's fortunes would swing wildly as the drama heightened–she would again put her side at an advantage by denying Eve Perisset, but her own spot kick just after would bounce off the post, the shootout now entering sudden death. Arnold would then deny Kenza Dali, then had the save overturned by VAR, before saving the retake as well. Given the soap-opera levels of drama, Clare Hunt would again fail to clinch the tie with Durand producing an excellent save. With two efforts already missing, Becho would make it three, allowing Vine to finally end the shootout and create history.

Goal in extra time has Spain edge past Netherlands to first ever World Cup semis

Teen dreams and a first-ever spot in last-4 on the horizon for La Roja; Lars Baron/Getty Images

Wellington, NZ: The first quarterfinal tie of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw two European heavyweights pitted against each other, in which Spain grinded out a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, with Salma Celeste Paralluelo's extra time goal powering them to a first ever spot in the semifinals of a World Cup.

A game more akin to the Cold War burst into life as Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty in the 81st minute, and just 10 minutes later Stephanie Van der Gragts would thunder an equalizer past Cata Coll. 

Golden opportunities to seal the tie would arrive at the feet of Lineth Beerensteyn in extra time, with the Juventus striker failing to convert them, before Paralluelo punished the Dutch on the counter in the 111th minute, her goal the very first of her World Cup campaign.

"It means everything for me, it was a unique moment, great euphoria... I'm extremely happy," Paralluelo said.

The sequence which powered La Roja to just their second semi-finals appearance was a cruel twist of fate for the Dutch, who were set up for a counter-attacking game plan from the very first minutes, but with little to no success. The focal point for the litany of direct passes was pacey Beerensteyn. But a blurry vision upfront meant that the Spanish controlled the tie rather quickly, their inquisition heralded with Esther Gonzalez's shot whizzing past the far post in the 4th minute. Alba Redondo would be at the center of two opportunities; her 17th minute header saved brilliantly by Van Domselaar, while in the 37th, she would miss out on goal from close range, with the ball thundered in by Gonzalez into the top corner. The Dutch, however, would be saved by the offside flag, and shortly after, the halftime whistle.

Spain would pick up from where they left off and would continuously threaten to raid the Dutch penalty area, complete with their short, quick passing and fluid rotations. It all seemed to come undone in the 61st, after a throughball finally found Beerensteyn in space, who found her cue to fall inside the box with Paredes on her back. The referee would initially point to the spot, but would later overturn the decision after a VAR review.

Luck seemed to be on Spain's side, earning a penalty some 20 minutes later after Paralluelo's cross hit Van der Gragt's hand right on the edge of the penalty area, with Caldetey's measured shot hitting the post, but bouncing towards the back of the net, making it 1-0.

Caldentey (centre) celebrates her international first goal in a year; Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

The Dutch decided to wake up from their slumber, as they desperately scrambled for a late equaliser, with Beerensteyn's blistering pace causing La Roja great troubles. But with fate intent on playing its usual tricks, the great leveller would be courtesy of Van der Gragt, after the centreback was fed a delicious throughball from Victoria Pelova in added time.

The Netherlands seemed reborn as Beerensteyn terrorised a fatigued Spanish defence, her shot just inches wide in the 108th, with her next attempt being a close-range volley, tipping over the crossbar. With her head in her hands, she perhaps could've missed a goal kick straight heading to Jenni Hermoso, instantly relaying a throughball to Paralluelo, who would go on and make history by slotting it coolly past the almighty Van Domselaar.

Van Domselaar could only look, but couldn’t touch; Lars Baron/Getty Images

"It's hard now," said the retiring Van der Gragt. "We had the chance in extra time and we didn't score, they had one chance and they scored. That's football."

Jorge Vilda, the Spanish head coach, was a man on cloud nine, to see his side progress in a backdrop of great domestic controversy. "We have always dreamed of something like this," said Vilda. "We are among the best teams in the world - but we are not stopping here. Today we want to celebrate, but tomorrow we start getting ready for the semi-finals."

Unbreakable Jamaica exit after Usme's strike propels Colombia to first ever last-8 spot

Melbourne continues to add pages to football history books; Andrew Wiseman/Getty Images

Melbourne, Australia: In front of a raucous, 27k-strong partisan crowd, Colombia prevailed in a 1-0 victory over Jamaica. Catalina Usme's sumptuous strike in the 51st minute was the the first and only goal that Jamaica have conceded in their whole campaign, and the one that ends their odds-defying dream run.

Colombia, the first South-American nation to progress into the quarterfinals in 12 years, are up against England on Saturday. Given the lacklustre performance of the latter against Nigeria, Las Cafeteras might be in line to provide the next big shock in this tournament of baffling surprises.

“This moment is unique for the history of Colombian women's soccer, for South America," said head coach Nelson Abadía. "It is a triumph of a team that has made an effort to have consistency, character, personality. It was played and won well”.

Jamaica, who have previously held two top-10 sides in France and Brazil in goalless draws, faced the ultimate test to their defensive prowess in Colombia, with their tenacity in exploiting spaces and eagerness in deploying their ace of spades, Linda Caicedo; the ball sticking to her feet as if they were magnetic, then launching as if her feet were cannons. On the other end, Khadija Shaw was clearly the target woman, charging at the Colombian backline with her supreme dribbling skills.

The Manchester City star was targeted and overwhelmed for almost 90 minutes; Andrew Wiseman

However, the first half seldom allowed uninterrupted displays of talent, with a litany of fouls and physicality lending the tie a stop-start tempo. Colombia was predictably more offence-inclined, but were crowded out near the wings. A slicing throughball would reach Diana Ospina in the 15th minute, but with a marker right at her shoulder, the first shot on target wasn't much trouble for Spencer.

Jamaica, and Colombia as well, were not in the mood to tolerate any flashiness, and whole-heartedly embraced tactical fouls to protect themselves. It wasn't long before Chantelle Swaby and Drew Spence had their names in the book, with the latter almost throwing Caicedo on the ground before half time, drawing the ire of the partisan crowd. Daniela Arias of Columbia would even things out, earning her yellow card in the second half.

Almost bolstered by the blatant display of Jamaica's frustrations in keeping the Colombian offence at bay, the first breakthrough arrived rather early. The dense cluster of Reggae Girlz in the box had the Colombians adopt a generous use of long, cross-field passes to stretch the backline. Ana Maria Guzman was deputising for fullback and the stoppage-time goal scorer against Germany, Manuela Vanegas, whose suspension had raised worries in the Colombian press. Those worries were swiftly put to rest, as her genius lobbed pass, somehow, found Usme almost isolated with Spencer. One touch to settle the ball, the other to curl it around the keeper, she finally broke through the Jamaican defence, making it 1-0 at the 51st.

The perfect pass fitting for a perfect goal; Robert Cianfione/Getty Images 

The emotional celebrations were almost doused when a Jamaican free kick shortly after found Brown at the far post, her header agonisingly bouncing off the upright. With desperation settling in for Jamaica as they hounded for an equaliser, Colombia were content in adopting a counter-attacking stance. A near carbon copy of her goal against Germany, Caicedo broke into a counter in the 65th, her shot way wide off the mark.

Shaw would throw everything at it, dribbling away from the hordes of purple shirts around her, but Colombia were stolid and tireless in their defence, with forwards such as Ramirez dropping all the way back to contribute. A rare opportunity would eventually knock at Jamaica's door in the 82nd minute, when Cameron's cross from the right flank set up Spence right in the face of goal to head it in, only for her aim to betray her. Full time would soon follow, as the stadium would burst in a fury of yellow, red and blue flags.

“The task is not over, this team dreams of reaching the World Cup final," said Usme. "On Saturday against England we have a new battle and we are going to prepare to face it in the best way. We are happy, but there is still work to be done."

Nigeria denied famous win as England reach last-8 on penalties

A footballing lottery, and England managed to hit the jackpot; Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Brisbane, Australia: Nigeria might have deserved to win, but England managed to hold the tenacious Super Falcons in a goalless draw, before clawing their way to the quarterfinals, winning 4-2 on penalties with Euros hero Chloe Kelly scoring the decider.

A frustratingly poor showing from the reigning European champions had them on the ropes for the majority of regulation time, the boiling point arriving when star-kid Lauren James stepped on Michelle Alozie in the 85th minute, earning herself a red card, and a possible multi-match ban to add to England's misery.

That frustration was for the most part, a result of the tactical superiority and rigid defensive organization shown by Nigeria, with close chances for Ashleigh Plumptre as her shot hit the post, among others. Billed as the underdogs, they were denied a chance to write new history by becoming the first African nation to progress to the last-8.

“I think everybody counted us out against England,” said Plumptre, a former U17 English international. "And I’m telling you, after this game, I’m tired of people just saying that African teams are just strong, and they’re just fast, and count us out as being technical or tactical."

The fluid system that England coach Sarina Weigmann adopted in the game against China was seemingly placed in a checkmate, as Nigeria clogged up the wings and left Russo and Hemp isolated for the majority of the 120 minutes. Even the returning Keira Walsh couldn't work her magic in the midfield, with the narrow three-woman backline absorbing considerable pressure on transitions. 

England were running blind in Nigeria’s half; Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

It's no surprise then, that Nigeria had the first real attempt, as a corner was headed away nicely by Alozie, but cleared by Russo in the 13th. As the confidence snowballed, the Super Falcons swarmed into England's half, with Plumptre's thundering shot well beating Mary Earps, but clattering off the crossbar, before Earps was tested again in the 17th minute.

England would eke most mere whispers of protest; Russo pounced on a sloppy clearance from Oluwatosin Demehin and tried to catch an off-position Nnadozie by surprise, but failed to beat the Nigerian skipper. Daly would be at the receiving end of a corner shortly after, her volley with considerable venom, but aimed straight at Nnadozie.

The clouds looked to have parted around the 30 minute mark, when the referee pointed to the spot as Daly was thought to be fouled in the box, only for a VAR review to overturn the decision, the crowd roaring in approval. Nigeria would continue to land heavy blows, with crucial blocks denying Ajibade and Uchiebe from close-range.

England would be saved momentarily by the half-time whistle, but there were no real changes in fortunes in the second half, which was heralded by Uchenna Kanu's header rattling the crossbar. Rocked and dazed, any attempt at ball progression from the Lionesses simply fizzled out in the face of rigid and spirited defending from the Nigerians.

With 5 minutes remaining, England received the biggest blows of them all, when James, marked out of the game by Ayinde, stepped on Alozie lying on the pitch after the latter firmly held off James. An instant yellow card was upgraded to a red after a VAR review, but at that time there were real concerns whether England would be playing another match in the tournament.

Beckham-esque, for all the wrong reasons; Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Nigeria were unexpectedly the favourites now, with England having their backs to the wall, and somehow they persevered. The fort-like defence of Bright, Carter and Greenwood was challenged by a litany of crosses, but they didn't budge, and held out till penalties.

Stanway, the sole scorer from the opening match against Haiti, blew her shot well wide and Nigeria's desire for a spot in the last-8 seemed inevitably fulfilled, only for substitute Desire Oparanozie to miss in a shockingly similar manner. Beth England, Greenwood, Daly, and Kelly would confidently convert from the spot, as Lady Luck looked to have deserted the Super Falcons; with standout Alozie's effort going into the stands.

Kelly (middle in white) and Greenwood (left) try to console Nnadozie (in yellow); Naomi Baker/Getty Images

A World Cup with a burning hatred for the formbook, fortunes flipped between sides, as favourites England were forced to become the underdogs, and somehow prevailed over near-peerless Nigeria.  

"It’s amazing. Anything that’s thrown at us, we show what we’re capable of." said Kelly. "We dig deep as a group and we believe in our ability."

For Nigeria, the result and valiant performance could provide a bulletproof rhetoric to power their demands and fight against their own federation. While Sarina Weigman's side would look for considerable overhauls, especially in the absence of James. 

Netherlands break South African hearts in 2-0 victory to progress to last-8

A hard-fought victory for the Oranje; Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Sydney, Australia: The second matchday of the round of 16 matches saw Netherlands face off against South Africa, the former edging past for a 2-0 victory at the Allianz Stadium, Sydney. A far from comfortable affair for the 2019 finalists, they were at the receiving end of fast-paced counter offence from South Africa, but ultimately prevailed with Manchester City-bound Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn of Juventus fame.

The Dutch, finalists in the 2019 edition of the tournament, would look to go one step better than the last time, but would be denied the services of Danielle Van de Donk, her second yellow card of the tournament earning her suspension. 

"We have this conviction, it's not the last game for Danielle. It's very disappointing she got a yellow card but we can't change it," said head coach Andries Jonker.

Their ambitions also face difficult opposition in Spain, with the quarter-finals match between the two scheduled on Friday in Wellington, New Zealand.

The 54th ranked South African side were intent on continuing their hot streak as giant-slayers, eliminating Italy in their previous game, and the first quarter of the hour was successful in that regard. Banyana Banyana were proactive, disciplined and spirited in their defending, forcing turnovers to launch counter-attacks, with pacey striker Thembi Kgatlana often at the helm. 

The almighty Oranje looked rather shaky, but goalie Daphne Van Domselaar was in commendable form, there to deny Kgatlana on numerous occasions. "Daphne saved us a few times." quipped Jonker.

In contrast to South Africa, the Dutch made the most of their first chance in the 9th minute, as a corner headed by Danielle Van de Donk towards goal bounced off Lebohang Ramalepe, with an unmarked Jill Roord nodding the loose ball into the net.

The perfect gift for Roord; Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

South Africa were caught off-guard but not dejected, as they continued to pile on pressure and test Van Domselaar, but the Dutch would gradually reclaim control over the tie, leaving less spaces to be exploited and being sharper on the offence. 

Desperate to steer away any danger, Jermaine Seoposenwe took too much of a beating after a tackle and was subbed off shortly, with Bambanani Mbane also twisting her ankle later and getting stretchered off; two injuries with massive implications for the South Africans.

With problems compounding and the Dutch growing in confidence, Kgatlana would continue to lead the charge, being at the end of a through ball from Matlou in the 35th minute, her shot eking out another great save from Van Domselaaar.

Van Domselaar seemed to have 8 arms; Jose Breton/Getty Images

Ending the first half on a positive note, South Africa's relentless offence was dampened in the majority of the second half, with the Dutch ironing out any wrinkles for their opposition to exploit. Their reward, as it seemed, arrived promptly, after some link-up play had Lieke Martens swivel to beat her marker and score from close range in the 54th minute. The goal would be disallowed, as Victoria Petova was offside before she crossed the ball to Martens.

They would get their second in the 68th minute, with Martens setting Beerenstyn free with a through ball. Rushing off her line, Swart would fail to catch an overambitious shot from Beerenstyn, and watch the ball bounce into the net in agony. 

Opposite fortunes for Van Domselaar’s counterpart; Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

South Africa would be quick to respond, as Linda Motlhalo's shot five minutes later would be aimed for the bottom-right corner, but Van Domselaar would barely get her fingertips on it to deny Motlhalo. Van Domselaar would be at the scene again, as Kgatlana's deflected shot in stoppage time headed towards goal, but the Dutch goalie refused to let go of a well-earned clean sheet.

"We were calmer about it," as Jonker applauded his team's performance in the second half. "That was also the message at half-time, that we played against ourselves instead of against South Africa.”

"As a group we need to hold our heads up high," said manager Desiree Ellis. "When we reached the last 16 the whole country went crazy and I'm expecting them to go crazy when we get back as well."