Ajax forward Sontje Hansen scored a hat trick as Netherlands defeated Nigeria 3-1 to book their place in the U17 World Cup quarter-finals.
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Netherlands scraped into the last 16 on the basis they were one of the four best third placed sides. That was achieved thanks to a 4-0 victory over USA in which Sontje Hansen scored twice and provided an assist.
The Ajax forward was once again placed through the middle against Nigeria and he inspired Netherlands to a quarter-final spot.
Netherlands took an early lead when Hansen found himself through on goal before slotting past the Nigerian goalkeeper. However, in the 12th minute, Olakunle Olusegun fired in from the edge of the box to equalise for Nigeria.
Netherlands only needed three minutes to regain the lead and again it was Hansen who scored after a header across goal by Ki-Jana Hoever.
In the second half, Netherlands goalkeeper Calvin Raatsie made several good saves to keep Nigeria out. In the 79th minute, Mohamed Taabouni shot the ball against a Nigerian arm and Netherlands were awarded a penalty.
Hansen claimed the spot kick and scored his hat trick to seal Netherlands spot in the last eight of the competition.
Netherlands will face the winner of Argentina v Paraguay next Sunday.
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