Group C: Defending champions Netherlands struggle for first win

Defending champions Netherlands have won their first victory at the European Football Championship in England. In the 3-2 win against the strong Portuguese team, however, the weakened “Oranje” team had major problems in the game. Entry into the quarter-finals is not yet guaranteed.

The Dutch women were already 2-0 up against the outsiders from Portugal after a good 15 minutes on Wednesday evening (13.07.22) – and seemed to be on course for victory. But just like against Switzerland on Matchday 1 in Group C, the southern Europeans equalized after falling two goals with a lot of morale.

The end of the game was different this time – Portugal went away empty-handed: Thanks to a goal by striker Daniëlle von de Donk (62nd), the favorite team decided the game – albeit after a mixed performance – in the Leigh Sports Village stadium near Manchester still on its own.

Netherlands and Sweden with good quarter-final chances

After four of six games in Group D before the final preliminary round matchday next Monday (18.07.22) nothing has been decided: In the games between the Netherlands and Switzerland as well as between Sweden and Portugal all teams can still make it into the quarter-finals make. But the Netherlands are in a good starting position: like Sweden, who beat Switzerland 2-1 on the second day of the game, the “Leuwinnen” – who currently have four points – a final draw is enough to qualify for the knockout stage to move in.

Injuries and Corona: Newly formed “Oranje” starting eleven

Coach Mark Parsons was forced to make four changes for the Dutch team: the experienced goalkeeper and captain Sari van Veenendaal, who injured her shoulder in the opening game against Sweden (1-1) and has already returned home, was replaced 22-year-old Daphne von Domselaar between the posts. With Jackie Groenen and world-class striker Vivianne Miedema, two players were missing due to coronavirus infections, while Aniek Nouwen is suffering from an ankle injury. Marisa Olislagers, Damaris Egurrola and Lineth Beerensteyn slipped into the starting XI for this trio.

The Portuguese, on the other hand, went into the game with the same formation that had played in the 2-2 win over Switzerland four days earlier. So coach Francisco Neto trusted a well-rehearsed eleven, even if not all of his players were convincing against the Confederates. It was a special game for striker Ana Borges, who is now Portugal’s record player with 146 caps.

Turbulent first half

Surprisingly, the southern Europeans got off to a better start. The Seleção did not get more than one offside hit by Borgers (5th) in this phase. After that, the Parsons team took control of the game; the aggressive offensive pressing plunged Portugal from one embarrassment to the next.

US-born and later named UEFA Player of the Match, Eggurola headed in from a corner in the seventh minute to make it 1-0 for the reigning European champions on her EURO debut, while central defender Stefanie van der Gragt raised after one another corner kick to 2:0 (16th). Opponent Catarina Amado hit the Dutchman in the face with her foot in this scene, but fortunately only injured her slightly.

The Netherlands missed chances to make it 3-0 – and then inexplicably lost their step again. After checking the video images of a foul by Dominique Janssen on Diana Silva, referee Ivana Martincic from Croatia awarded Portugal a penalty. Carole Costa scored to make it 2-1 (38′).

Portugal’s morale will not be rewarded this time

Immediately after the restart, the Portuguese actually equalized against the Dutch: A header by Diana Silva, who was only 1.61 meters tall, to make it 2-2 (47th) was temporarily a mood killer for the many Dutch fans in the stands.

The supporters cheered too early when Jill Roord hit an offside goal (49th), but van de Donk’s shot into the right angle (62nd) saw the “Oranje” world go back to normal. It was the 50th goal in the 14th game of the European Championship tournament in England.

In the last half hour of the game, the Dutch women prevented further big chances from the opponents at the back, but were also unable to register any clear actions on the offensive. Top star Miedema was clearly missing from her team there.