After winning UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, many doubted if the Netherlands would repeat such success at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, but they proved their worth, beating Sweden and England along the way before losing in the final against USA.
Netherlands national football team, commonly referred to as Oranje Leeuwinnen (Orange Lionesses), have made great strides forward and adopted a dynamic new attitude, represented in their crest by a fierce-looking lion that symbolizes this. In this article, we will discuss about The Netherlands Women’s National Football Team.
Origins
Netherlands are now leading the charge in women’s international football, having long prohibited it within their borders. Their success at 2017 European Championship, beating Denmark in the final, proved this point. Not only due to the excellent players within their squad but also owing to a solid grassroots foundation – KNVB (Dutch Football Federation) encourages amateur clubs to invest in girls and women’s football while setting tight rules regarding sponsorship deals so at least 25% of funds go toward developing female players.
KNVB has also established a national training centre specifically tailored for elite female players, where players can develop their skills alongside those of men’s team players – creating an equal playing environment between male and female teams, which is key for international success.
Vera Pauw was instrumental in leading the Dutch women to their first major tournament final since 2009 in 2009. She pioneered integration between girls and boys teams by setting an example that many current Lionesses emulate today.
Sherida Spitse leads the current squad as all-time record holder with 180 caps for Oranje. Since making her debut at 16 during a 4-0 UEFA World Cup qualifying loss against England, Spitse has established herself as one of the game’s premier midfielders and leaders – notably at 2018 World Cup final against USA where she captained her side as captain against them.
Nationality
The Dutch are a nation steeped in football mania. One million individuals are registered with KNVB (the Dutch Football Federation), of whom roughly one fifth (180,000) are female participants. Football lessons with registered coaches start from as young as age six!
The women’s national team of the Netherlands is better known as Oranje (Leeuwinnen in Dutch). Since winning European Championship Women 2017 on home turf, it has enjoyed tremendous success and gained international prominence. Their nickname comes from both their orange colouring and being known as an offensive force; Sarina Wiegeman led the Oranje to victory and was later appointed ambassador for girls’ and women’s football within her own country – two remarkable figures who greatly influence women’s football in general.
Vivianne Miedema is the all-time leading scorer in Dutch history with 69 goals scored across 87 full international matches. Born into a footballing family and debuting for SC Heerenveen at 15 years old. Since then she has been selected for every major tournament and will form an integral part of Oranje’s 2023 World Cup squad in France.
At the European Championship Women 2017 held in the Netherlands, Oranje shocked both friends and foe alike with their impressive victory against Germany. Though many had doubted them as they required a play-off match to reach World Cup 2019 qualifying competition, Oranje proved themselves as a new force worthy of respect.
With talented young players such as FC Twente’s Daphne van Domselaar, Ajax’s Sherida Spitse and PSV’s Esmee Brugts leading their teams forward, The Netherlands look poised to challenge for more titles over time.
Goals
The Netherlands women’s national football team is famously known as Oranje and features an iconic logo depicting a female lioness as its logo. Over their history they have competed in many major tournaments and witnessed an unexpected success at 2017 Euro’s, winning their inaugural major trophy ever before this victory.
Oranje Leeuwinnen made an impressive opening against South Africa, scoring two goals before halftime to lead comfortably. Midfielder Jill Rood set the pace early with an outstanding shot from outside of the box that found the bottom left corner, setting an early tone.
Soon after, Dutch defenders offered some assistance when goalkeeper Kaylin Swart fumbled the ball. Trinity Rodman had an opportunity to equalize from a long range but her shot did not provide sufficient power and accuracy.
Oranje took control of the game soon thereafter and scored another goal before halftime thanks to Daphne van Domselaar’s perfectly placed free kick in the upper right corner. Additionally, Dutch defenders did an outstanding job in keeping South African attackers from taking advantage of any opportunities during this half.
Dutch dominance in the final minutes led them to victory and a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win, their first since 2021 and a huge boost for their women’s team.
Oranje is in great shape for their tournament in Canada, which they are one of the favourites in. Their squad boasts a strong blend of youth and experience players from top clubs across the Netherlands; FC Twente’s Fenna Kalma is known for her eye for goal while PSV’s Esmee Brugts showcases both her skillful dribbling as well as an efficient passing game.
Players
After the disappointing Euro 2022 and coaching change to Mark Parsons, Dutch citizens might have expected less from the Oranje Leeuwinnen national women’s team – yet they’ve proven they can still compete at the highest level by reaching the quarterfinals at World Cup 2019.
This team boasts one of the most talented squads ever assembled in Netherlands history, led by top scorers Vivianne Miedema and Manon Melis from 2017. Additionally, experienced campaigners like Sari Van Veenendaal from PSV, Stefanie van der Gragt of Ajax, Danielle van de Donk (Lyon), Sherida Spitse as an addition demonstrate this team is full of quality players.
She stands out as an individual for her ability to score from almost any position, be it foot or head, and has amassed an impressive international tally of 92 goals from 108 appearances for the Netherlands – which makes her a key threat in any World Cup team’s arsenal.
Keep an eye out for Sheila Diks, who has made waves at top level football with Lyon. This tenacious defensive midfielder displays clear intent whenever she is on the ball and will look to add even more goals to her impressive tally.
The Dutch aren’t short on young players either, with numerous promising youngsters breaking through into senior play at just 19-years-old. Two 19-year-old forwards Esmee Brugts and Wieke Kaptein have made headlines recently by being selected for World Cup as a duo for national team duty – making history!
Coaches
Since one of the early countries to permit women’s football alongside men, Netherlands has become one of the global leaders in this sport. Dubbed Oranje or Leeuwinnen (Lionesses), their national team have won four European Championships while reaching three finals including 2019, when they lost out to USA. Still, their record speaks volumes of their ability at women’s football – regardless of losses due to poor weather or other obstacles.
Dutch women’s football entered its professional era in 2007 with the formation of Vrouwen Eredivisie league. Since then, its growth has seen clubs like Ajax, FC Twente and AZ compete for supremacy – thus producing many talented national team players like Sherida Spitse (defender) and Lieke Martens (forward). Both players have garnered over 100 caps each.
Mark Parsons announced his resignation as manager of the Netherlands women’s national team following their quarterfinal exit at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Since taking over in May 2021 from Sarina Wiegman, he led them to victory at that competition, qualifying them for France World Cup 2024 as well.
Parsons’s exit may or may not have been voluntary, but his performance as the coach of the Netherlands team has been mixed at best. While he won some trophies during his tenure with Ajax – including two Eredivisie titles – they have also suffered due to injuries and goals being scored by other teams.
Andries Jonker will step in as Parsons’ replacement as manager, having previously led Keuken Kampioen Divisie side Telstar, Volendam and Willem II in Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Jonker took on an even greater responsibility after leading the Netherlands women’s team through their play-off against Iceland to qualify for 2023 World Cup tournament, leading them to victory courtesy of Esmee Brugts’ late goal in that matchup.
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