Wales vs Netherlands

Wales and Netherlands Set to Clash in Women’s Euro 2025 Opener

History will be made in Lucerne as Wales Women step onto the major tournament stage for the very first time, taking on a seasoned Netherlands side in their opening match of Women’s Euro 2025.

Wales’ Remarkable Journey to the Euros
The Dragons have defied expectations to reach their first-ever European Championship, emerging victorious from a hard-fought qualifying campaign. They topped Group B4 with four wins from six matches before edging past Slovakia in extra time and sealing a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over the Republic of Ireland in the playoffs.

But their debut won’t be easy—drawn into a daunting Group D alongside the Netherlands (2017 champions), France (2022 semi-finalists), and reigning title-holders England. Wales’ recent form has been shaky, suffering relegation in the Nations League after managing just two points from six games. They’ll also need to overturn a poor record against the Dutch, having lost all four of their previous meetings.

Netherlands Eyeing Another Deep Run
The Oranje arrive with pedigree, making their fifth straight Euros appearance. After securing automatic qualification by finishing second in their group, they’ll aim to recapture the magic of 2017, when they triumphed on home soil under Sarina Wiegman.

Andries Jonker’s side has been consistent, advancing from the group stage in three of their last four tournaments. Though they narrowly missed the Nations League finals (finishing behind Germany), they warmed up for the Euros with a 2-1 friendly win over Finland—thanks to a Vivianne Miedema double. With five wins and a draw in their last six Euro group matches, the Dutch will be confident of starting strong against Wales.

Wales have suffered a blow ahead of the tournament, with defender Mayzee Davies ruled out after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in last month’s Nations League defeat to Denmark.

There’s better news for Sophie Ingle, who has recovered from a long-term knee injury to make the 23-player squad. However, with no match action since September, her playing time at the tournament remains uncertain.

Wales’ all-time top scorer, Jess Fishlock, may take on a key role as an impact substitute rather than starting, adding experience and firepower off the bench.

Netherlands’ Defensive Strength

The Dutch backline is expected to feature Dominique Janssen (Manchester United) alongside Chelsea’s rising star Veerle Buurman in central defence. Out wide, Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City) and Barcelona’s Esmee Brugts are likely to start as full-backs.

All eyes will be on Netherlands captain Vivianne Miedema, who’s just one goal away from an incredible 100 international strikes. The former Arsenal striker will spearhead the attack, with support from Victoria Pelova, Jill Roord, and Danielle van de Donk in a formidable forward line.