This text is a part of the Guardian’s Euro 2025 Consultants’ Community, a cooperation between a few of the greatest media organisations from the 16 nations who certified. theguardian.com is working previews from two groups every day within the run-up to the match kicking off on 2 July.
Overview
The Netherlands didn’t have a clean journey to the Euros and certified within the remaining group recreation, away towards Norway within the coastal city of Bergen. They had been 1-0 down till Vivianne Miedema prevented catastrophe for the coach, Andries Jonker, by scoring an equaliser. They might absolutely have reached Switzerland through the playoffs however almost lacking out on automated qualification is a snapshot of the place the workforce are.
The principle downside, as for a while, was a scarcity of punch: within the six group matches they by no means scored a couple of aim. Accidents have performed an enormous half since Jonker took over after a disappointing Euro 2022, and the previous 12 months has been no completely different.
Miedema was getting back from a cruciate ligament damage and suffered a couple of niggles on the best way whereas Jill Roord and Victoria Pelova additionally sustained ACL accidents. The Oranje goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, in the meantime, was additionally compelled to overlook the vital residence recreation towards the group winners Italy.
That match started a brand new period for the facet, being the primary one after the retirement of Lieke Martens, who had introduced she was hanging up her boots the earlier month.
Up till the final pleasant earlier than the Euros, Jonker had opted for a 5-3-2 (or 3-5-2). It had proved essentially the most profitable for him and the workforce. On the 2023 World Cup he performed with wing-backs Esmee Brugtsand Pelova. Nonetheless, towards Finland in the direction of the top of June – with Lineth Beerensteyn injured – he reverted to a extra conventional Dutch 4-3-3 and should nicely begin the match that method.
There may be wholesome competitors in central defence the place Sherida Spitse appears set to lose her place to the teenage sensation Veerle Buurman.
The coach
In January Andries Jonker was instructed the Dutch FA (KNVB) didn’t need him to proceed after the Euros. Jonker was livid, disenchanted and offended, however he wouldn’t reveal the rationale behind his departure. “That’s one thing the technical director, Nigel de Jong, should do,” he stated. Jonker has not been eager to make many adjustments and that has resulted in an ageing squad. The variety of gamers over 30 is critical. Nonetheless, with a quarter-final on the 2023 World Cup, reaching the semis of the 2024 Nations League and qualifying for Euro 2025, it can’t be stated Jonker has failed. Different nations, nonetheless, have made extra progress in that point.
Star participant
For years Miedema was the undisputed Oranje star with Roord, Jackie Groenen and Daniëlle van de Donk simply behind her. Lineth Beerensteyn usually needed to play a supporting function to these gamers however not. Up to now two seasons the Netherlands have come to depend on the Wolfsburg participant’s targets. She doesn’t rating the flashiest targets however finishes with each toes – and her head. She is unpredictable and very quick. “I’m getting higher at recognising which runs to make and figuring out which angle to shoot from,” she stated not too long ago. “That’s taking place increasingly.” Was carrying a knock coming into the match and is probably not absolutely match for the primary recreation.
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One to look at
Renate Jansen has been within the squad for what looks as if ages however continues to be not among the many best-known gamers. Possibly as a result of she has by no means performed overseas. A No 10 or a winger, Jansen has been named the Eredivisie MVP on a number of events throughout spells with Den Haag, Twente and PSV. She has good reminiscences of taking part in group rivals England, having scored a magnificence towards the Lionesses in a 2-1 win in September 2023. “Lieke Martens performed a lovely by means of ball between two opponents. I assumed I shouldn’t take a contact so simply hit it. It went properly into the highest nook.”
Possible lineup
Standing of home prime flight
A lot was anticipated of the ladies’s Eredivisie following the excellent performances of the Orange Lionesses through the Wiegman period however the home prime flight has been overtaken by the Spanish and Italian leagues. Different nations reminiscent of England, France and Germany, had been already miles forward. Most golf equipment are semi-pro and the minimal requirement for a licence is three gamers incomes not less than the minimal wage. The typical age of the taking part in squads is getting decrease and most of this squad play overseas. There may be some stardust, although, together with the USWNT participant Lily Yohannes, who performs for Ajax. The typical attendance is 1,100 and ESPN has the printed rights.
Practical intention in Switzerland
The knockout levels appear unlikely. The group is tough, together with France and England, and the latest heavy defeat towards Germany confirmed how far they’ve fallen. Too previous, no kind, and little perception within the supervisor.
The Netherlands workforce information was written by Steven Kooijman for De Telegraaf.