The Dutch football players have recorded a great victory in the Nations League over World Cup finalist England of national coach Sarina Wiegman. The team of national coach Andries Jonker won 2-1 in a sold-out Galgenwaard in Utrecht.
The victory is important in the battle for qualification for the Olympic Games after the defeat earlier by the Netherlands against Belgium. The Dutch team must win the group to qualify for the Paris 2024 Games.
Lieke Martens made it 1-0 for the Dutch team after more than half an hour. Alessia Russo equalized for England in the second half. Substitute Renate Jansen gave the Dutch team the precious victory with a late goal.
Daphne van Domselaar
Jonker again had Daphne van Domselaar at his disposal against England. The first goalkeeper of the Dutch team was not fit last week, so Jacintha Weimar made his debut against Belgium. Weimar was left out of the selection against the European champions.
The national coach had left his team unchanged and wanted the team to use the opportunities more efficiently. Wiegman returned to Utrecht with almost the same team as in the 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain. With Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp, both of whom already scored against Scotland (2-1), Wiegman had dangerous players.
The Dutch team took the initiative at the beginning of the match, but this did not lead to any real opportunities. Jill Roord shot on target once. Defender Caitlin Dijkstra then made good progress and forced Mary Earps to make a save with a shot in the short corner.
Protests Wiegman
After an interception by Jackie Groenen in the 34th minute, Daniëlle van de Donk got the ball in an offside position and put it back well. Lieke Martens was then able to score the 1-0. Wiegman’s protests had no effect, there was no video referee.
England then applied pressure. Rachel Daly shot on the post and Van Domselaar made two saves. Lineth Beerensteyn shot onto the crossbar during a quick conversion.
The Dutch team slumped a bit more after the break. It was thanks to Van Domselaar that Jonker’s formation held the lead. She made several good saves on Hemp’s efforts, but then had no chance on a shot by Alessia Russo.
Jansen, who was brought into the team for Beerensteyn in the final phase, was accurate with her first chance in the final minute. She was sent away by Martens and kept the Olympic dreams of the football players alive with her striking shot.