Miedema's 100th goal fires Dutch to 3-0 Euros win over Wales
Wales came into their debut match at a major tournament as underdogs against the 2017 champions and, after frustrating the Dutch for long periods of the opening half, Miedema's milestone strike before the break ended the Welsh resistance.
The Welsh were pinned back in their own half for long stretches, often making things difficult for themselves with some wayward passing but also regularly putting their bodies on the line in the box to block the constant Dutch danger.
Jill Roord hit two powerful efforts in the first half, one saved by Wales keeper Olivia Clark, the other thundering back off the upright, while the Welsh intent was underlined by Lily Woodham picking up a booking inside 25 minutes for time-wasting.
Wales looked like hanging on until the interval but, deep into added time, Miedema struck a curling shot from outside the area which sailed into the far top corner, a goal worthy of the captain's milestone in her 126th international appearance.
The Dutch doubled their lead less than three minutes after the break, with Danielle van de Donk laying a pass back to Victoria Pelova in the box who blasted a shot through the legs of defender Gemma Evans and beyond the keeper.
Roord again hit the woodwork, as the Netherlands almost added a third immediately, and they did find the net again in the 57th minute.
Jackie Groenen's shot rattled the crossbar and, from the rebound, Pelova floated a ball to the back post which was finished off by Esmee Brugts. The Dutch threatened to run riot but despite plenty of chances were unable to add to their tally.
In arguably the toughest group in the competition, holders England face France later on Saturday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
42 minutes ago
- CNA
England's Hemp says 'arm around each other' is needed ahead of Netherlands match
ZURICH :England forward Lauren Hemp urged team unity following the Lionesses' disappointing 2-1 defeat by France in their Euro 2025 opener, as the reigning champions face the Netherlands on Wednesday with the risk of an early exit looming. "I'd probably say it's more of an arm around each other (than calling each other out)," Hemp told reporters on Sunday. "When times are tough, we've had difficult conversations on the pitch at times. I think after it, off it, you've got to come together rather than push each other further apart. "I think that's what this team is good at, is getting around each other and supporting each other, because obviously we're then going to need everyone back up to their best on Wednesday." Captain Leah Williamson had said England were undone by a "cheap sort of emotional defending" against a France team that ran circles around them for most of the night. England do have a history of slow starts in tournaments, such as their narrow victories over Austria at Euro 2022 and Haiti at the 2023 World Cup, where they eventually reached the final. Hemp emphasised the team's ability to rise to the occasion. "We thrive under pressure," Hemp said. "Every game we go into we want to win, and from how we acted the last 10 minutes of the game, we know what's at stake, and we obviously want to get as far as we can, and we are reigning champions that is important to remember that and gain confidence from that." The team held a light training session on Sunday at their Zurich base, with Hemp and other starters observing while more rested players trained. The session was open to local girls from clubs and schools as part of a thank-you gesture, with players posing for selfies and signing shirts afterward. Hemp, along with teammates Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, and Lauren James, returned to action after extended injury absences. Hemp, who underwent two knee surgeries since November, acknowledged the challenges of regaining form but highlighted the team's collective experience. "A lot of us have had a big amount of time out, and it has obviously been gutting for us," the 24-year-old said. "We have missed most of the season, but we've also had four or five games to get up to scratch, and I think it's no excuse really. "We're all in this as a team, and we've got so much experience on the pitch, even though I've been out for seven months, I also played six years (for England), so it's important to remember that and take confidence from it.
CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
Board games, bracelets and bike rides - how Sweden avoid boredom at Euros
CHAM, Switzerland :Sweden may spend most of their time focusing on football at the Women's Euros but in their downtime defender Magdalena Eriksson and her teammates are doing everything from playing board games and making bracelets to going on bike rides to avoid boredom. However, when the games or deck of cards come out so too does Eriksson's competitive streak, which means in the time earmarked for relaxation there is another battle to win. "Who do you think?" Eriksson said laughing when asked who the sorest loser in the team is, before pointing to herself. "Actually, there's a lot of them - maybe I'm the most outspoken in that way, but I think many, many in our team are really sore losers," she added. Asked who the worst losers in the squad were, midfielder Hanna Bennison was not afraid to name more senior teammates. "I would say Magda, Filippa (Angeldahl) and (Johanna) Rytting Kaneryd," the 22-year-old told Reuters. "I'm competitive but I'm not like a bad loser or a bad winner. I'm pretty relaxed and chilled." Headquartered in a hotel in the picturesque Swiss town of Cham specifically designed to meet the needs of elite athletes, the Swedes feel they have the facilities and tranquillity they need, but the solitude does pose occasional problems. "As you can see, around here there is not much to do, but we have a village close by and a lake. Last night, we took some bikes down to the lake and had a swim, so we try to do these things to get out of this place a little bit as well," Eriksson said. The weather has been so hot in Switzerland lately that players have been staying out of the sun to save energy, which has meant finding other ways to spend their time at the hotel. "Sometimes we play games, we also make bracelets, like with plastic pearls, yeah? Otherwise, we have just been watching all the other games. Usually we sit together in the players' lounge and watch together," Bennison explained. "We're following the games and watching the games, and we're training," Eriksson said. "We're focusing on recovery and gym, so I think, for the moment, we're finding things to do. And yeah, we're really enjoying this beautiful country." With Eriksson nursing an unspecified injury that saw her miss the opening 1-0 win over Denmark, the hotel's gym and recovery facilities are essential as she seeks to regain fitness for the remaining Group C games against Poland and Germany. "I think from a physical point of view, we have everything we need here to be at our best when the game comes, so it's a great facility in that way," Eriksson said. Despite the Swedes' innate love of winter sports, none of them have paid a visit to the hotel's ice rink yet. "I have not been out on the ice, and I shouldn't be - then I might get another injury! No, I haven't heard of anyone who's been down there yet," Eriksson said.
CNA
4 hours ago
- CNA
Arsenal sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi from Real Sociedad
Arsenal have signed defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on a long-term contract, the Premier League club said on Sunday as the club reinforced a key position weakened by departures last month. Financial details were not disclosed but British media reports said the 26-year-old had a 60 million euros ($70.67 million) release clause at Sociedad where he had a contract until 2027. Zubimendi is Arsenal's second recruit in the close-season after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen a squad that can get over the line in the title race after finishing runners-up in the last three Premier League seasons. "This is a huge moment in my career. It's the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are," Zubimendi said in a statement. "I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come." Zubimendi's arrival is a welcome reinforcement for Arsenal in midfield after Jorginho and Thomas Partey left at the end of their contracts last month. Renowned for his mobility, his deep-lying playmaking skills as well as his defensive nous, Zubimendi will give Arsenal's midfield a measure of steel while also controlling the tempo in the role of a number six. His arrival would potentially allow Declan Rice, Arsenal's player of the season, to play in an advanced role alongside skipper Martin Odegaard. With Spain, Zubimendi won the European Championship in 2024, coming on for the injured Rodri in the final to help secure the trophy, while he also scored in the Nations League final earlier this month when they lost to Portugal on penalties. Getting Zubimendi on board early would also give Arteta time to work with him in pre-season ahead of a tough opening spell in the Premier League next season. Arsenal play Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United in their first six games of the campaign.
