The Dutch national team drew 1-1 against Sweden on Saturday in the opening match at the European Championship. The only Dutch goal came shortly after the break and was credited to Jill Roord. Keeper Sari van Veenendaal and defender Aniek Nouwen were injured in the first half.
In a group with Portugal and Switzerland, Sweden was seen as the toughest opponent. The Swedes turned out to be stronger in the first half than the awkwardly playing Dutch team, which had to deal with two major setbacks. First goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal dropped out, after she had previously collided with Stefanie van der Gragt. Just before half-time, Aniek Nouwen dropped out with a bleed injury. In between, Sweden had already taken the lead through a goal from Jonna Andersson.
After the break, the Netherlands recovered and the score was soon leveled via a shot by midfielder Jill Roord. Despite chances on both sides, no more goals were scored. The next opponent is Portugal, which drew 2-2 against Switzerland earlier on Saturday. That game will be played on Wednesday evening.