FOOTBALL – The Dutch football players have won the last practice match for the European Championship in England. The team of national coach Mark Parsons defeated Finland in Enschede 2-0, via two goals from striker Vivianne Miedema. The all-time top scorer of the ‘Leeuwesses’ increased her production to 94 goals in 111 international matches.
The Orange squad will start the European Championship next Saturday in Sheffield against Sweden, last year’s losing finalist at the Olympic Games. The football players, who defend their title in England, then play in Group C against Portugal (July 13) and Switzerland (July 17). The Finnish women also participate in the European Championship.
Last week, Parsons’ team lost no less than 5-1 in a friendly match against England, which is led by Sarina Wiegman and is one of the favorites at the European Championship. The football players won 3-0 against Belarus in Enschede on Tuesday in the World Cup qualification.
Parsons sent his intended basic team for the European Championship into the field against Finland, with Daniëlle van de Donk, who was fit again after a long-term injury, as shadow striker behind the attackers Jill Roord, Miedema and Lieke Martens. Before kick-off, Sherida Spitse received a golden bowl from KNVB director Jan Dirk van der Zee, because she played her two hundredth international match against England.