Catalonia started with purpose, refusing to bow to the reputation of their opponent and scoring the opening goal: a first minute long shot to Alexis Escardibul. The favourite, however, immediately turned it around, going up 2-1, but Catalonia then equalised again.

From the sixth minute, though, the Netherlands turned on the after-burners, as they so often do, and quickly built a commanding lead, sharing the goals and dominating their opponents to go into half time at 13-6.

Wholesale substitutions at half time did nothing to stop the flow and normal service was resumed. The imperious Michiel Gerritsen finished with seven and Mirjam de Kleijn four, while the rest were spread evenly around the team. For Catalonia, Xavi Vidal will be well satisfied with four goals against the world champions and, even though they were on the wrong end of 29-11 at the final whistle, Catalonia did well enough to show they will fight hard for qualification to the top eight in this tournament, most likely against their neighbour Portugal.

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