The Netherlands are among the title favorites at the European Championship. But without their star striker, who was suffering from Corona, the Dutch women had to tremble against Portugal for a long time.
Even without star striker Vivianne Miedema, the Dutch footballers made a big step towards the quarter-finals at the European Championships in England. The defending champions defeated second-placed Portugal 3-2 (2-1) in Leigh and, with four points, as leaders in Group C, has progression in sight. The Portuguese have to worry about the knockout phase with just one point.
Damaris Egurrola (7th) and Stefanie van der Gragt (16th) brought the weakened Oranje Lionesses on course early on. Carole Costa with a penalty (38′) and Diana Silva (47′) brought Portugal back into the game after Russia had been excluded from the finals. But Danielle van de Donk (62nd) scored from long range to win for the Netherlands.
That’s how the game went
Without the corona-positive Miedema and the injured goalkeeper and captain Sari van Veenendaal, the Dutch women got into the game well, Egurrola hit a powerful header after a corner, van der Gragt headed in from close range. The Portuguese shook briefly before Costa restored tension after Dominique Janssen fouled Silva from the penalty spot.
And the Portuguese kept the pressure on after the break: Costa crossed and Silva headed in to equalize from a few yards out. Coach Francisco Neto’s team had already made up for a 0-2 deficit at the start against Switzerland (2-2). This time it was not enough to win a point after van de Donk’s dream goal.