Due to injuries, it is still questionable whether Andries Jonker can start with his strongest eleven against Belgium tomorrow (8:45 p.m. in Tilburg). In any case, the Orange Lionesses must win against Belgium, preferably by a large margin. At the same time, the national coach keeps a close eye on what is happening in Glasgow.
Everything has been said about the completely crooked scenario that has arisen in the Nations League group of the Dutch team and written last weekend. The fact is that the team of national coach Andries Jonker has no influence on which scenario unfolds in Glasgow, where Scotland and England play against each other and where Sarina Wiegman hopes that her women can set a monster score.
Many doubts at Oranje
That could result in a Nations League group win and thus a place in the Final Four, where Olympic tickets can be earned. Wiegman would be the coach of ‘Team Great Britain’ and could therefore also select players from Scotland. That could lead to scolding; at the same time, those involved emphasize the sporting rivalry between the two countries. Captain Rachel Corsie emphasized today that it is ‘very disrespectful’ that Scotland’s integrity is being challenged.
But it is equally important (assuming that England beats Scotland) that group leader Oranje leaves nothing behind against Belgium, which has one point less and also needs to win to have a chance of winning the group. Jonker saw one after the other drop out at Wembley and at the moment he is only sure that Sherida Spitse is fit enough to play. Jackie Groenen and Victoria Pelova, among others, are doubtful.
Jonker full of confidence
Belgium won the first match against the Dutch team in Leuven 2-1, although Jonker’s team played much better and were still left behind due to missed opportunities and personal errors. Tomorrow, the national coach will be constantly informed about the state of affairs in Glasgow and, if necessary, adjust his own tactics accordingly.
“I am confident that we will get it done,” said Jonker. “The field of participants at the Final Four of the Nations League will probably consist of Spain, France and Germany. If we want to participate, we have to be able to beat Belgium. If we don’t achieve that, we will have surprised by making it so incredibly difficult for England, but then we are just not good enough. And I think we are.”
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