Soccer-Dutch head into World Cup semis after 2-0 win over Italy

By Simon Evans

VALENCIENNES, France, June 29 (Reuters) - Second half headers from Vivianne Miedema and Stefanie van der Gragt earned the Netherlands a 2-0 win over Italy in their women's World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

The Dutch, who qualify for the last four of the tournament for the first time, will face the winners of Saturday's other quarter-final between Germany and Sweden in Rennes.

Italy had the better of the chances in the first half but the European champions stepped up their game after the break and both goals came from set-piece deliveries from Sherida Spitse.

Defending World Cup champions the United States will face England in the opening semi-final on Tuesday in Lyon with the second semi on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Simon Evans Editing by Christian Radnedge)