Orange has managed to win the first international match under Andries Jonker. The new national coach saw that his team was having a lot of trouble with Scotland. A late goal by Fenna Kalma turned out to be enough for the win: 2-1.
Jonker was appointed to succeed Mark Parsons. The Brit had to leave the field after the previously disappointing European Championship. After three years, the Amsterdammer saw Telstar, a return to Orange. He was interim national coach for the women’s team for a short period in 2001.
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From the first whistle, the Orange Lionesses put pressure on the Scots. That was paid after ten minutes, after Vivianne Miedema broke the spell. She scored the opening goal after a nice attack. The positive feeling did not last long, as Scotland quickly came to 1-1. Claire Emslie was able to finish after a mistake by defender Dominique Janssen. A great opportunity for Miedema (header on the crossbar) and Van de Donk’s rebound was not used.
In the second half, the Orange went eagerly looking for the lead. Again Miedema and Sherida Spitse created danger. Jonker eventually changed six players, including Victoria Pelova and Kalma. Pelova hit the post before Kalma scored just before time: 2-1.
Crucial
The focus of the Dutch national team will soon move to next Tuesday. The women will then play the crucial qualifier for the World Cup against Iceland in Utrecht. They won their make-up game against Belarus on Friday 6-0, so that the Orange only qualifies directly for the World Cup if they win. Otherwise, entry must be forced through play-offs.