The Netherlands started their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign in style with a strong 3-0 win over Wales, who are now without a victory in their last seven matches.
The Dutch were clear favourites going into the match, having only lost once in their previous six games. Facing the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, they were expected to win, and they delivered. They nearly took an early lead after just five minutes when Jill Roord cut in and aimed for the top corner, but Welsh goalkeeper Olivia Clark made a great save.
Wales had another scare shortly before half-time when Roord fired a powerful shot that hit the post. But just before the break, the Dutch finally broke the deadlock. In stoppage time, Vivianne Miedema scored her 100th goal for the national team with a lovely finish, making her 126th appearance even more special.
Wales started the second half poorly. Daniëlle van de Donk ran past the defence and passed to Victoria Pelova, who calmly finished into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Roord hit the bar again soon after as the Dutch kept pushing forward.
It wasn’t long before the third goal arrived. Just before the hour mark, Esmee Brugts scored at the back post after a great cross from Pelova. The Netherlands continued to press, nearly adding a fourth late on when Chastity Grant’s shot was cleared off the line by Lily Woodham.
The game ended 3-0, putting the Netherlands at the top of Group D before England play France later in the evening. Coach Andries Jonker will be pleased, not only with the attacking performance but also with the clean sheet, their first in 10 matches.
