On 5 July 2025, Allmend Stadion witnessed a brilliantly played match opening Group D competition at the 2025 Women’s European Championship. Facing each other were the teams of the Netherlands and Wales. To the delight of Dutch supporters, the match ended with a 3-0 triumph for the Oranje side, undoubtedly sending a clear message to their upcoming opponents in the tournament.
The match began as expected, with bold attacks from the favourites in the very first minutes. The Dutch team quickly imposed its dominant style of play, already familiar to fans from previous tournaments. They were marked by refined football culture, great self-confidence, and an offensive mindset, which swiftly translated into goal-scoring opportunities.
The first half long pointed to a goalless draw despite numerous chances created by the Oranje. However, just before the whistle ending the first period, in added time (45′+3′), Vivianne Miedema produced a phenomenal long-range shot into the top corner, setting the half-time score at 1-0.
This strike had special significance for Miedema, as it was her hundredth goal in international appearances. Thus she became the first Dutch female footballer to achieve this.
After the break the Dutch did not slow their pace; on the contrary, they returned to the pitch with doubled determination to score a second goal as quickly as possible. In the 48th minute, after a fine pass from Daniëlle van de Donk, Victoria Pelova calmly yet effectively steered the ball into the net, extending the lead to 2-0.
The further course of the match confirmed the absolute dominance of the Oranje, who moved confidently toward fixing the final score. In the 57th minute Esmee Brugts made it 3-0, cleverly exploiting a cross from Victoria Pelova and giving the Welsh goalkeeper no chance.
The Netherlands lined up in their traditional 4-3-3 formation, which for years has been the foundation of their playing philosophy. Thanks to such positioning, the team could shift fluidly from defence to rapid offensive actions and dominate the midfield. The balance between offence and defence, coupled with the intensive pressing applied by the Netherlands, effectively thwarted the attacking efforts of the Welsh players. The Oranje allowed no dangerous situations near their own goal, and their solid back line let the attacking leaders focus calmly on adding further strikes.
Vivianne Miedema:
“It’s an incredible feeling. A hundredth goal always brings extra satisfaction, but for me the key thing is that we have started the tournament by sending a strong signal to the whole of Europe.”
For the Welsh national team, the debut at the European Championship proved a painful clash with reality. Despite spirit and attempts at counter-attacks, the side could not find a way to overcome the Dutch dominance. Now the Wales coach faces the tough task of motivating her squad for the next, equally demanding, Group D matches.
Thanks to such a spectacular victory in the opener, the Dutch have strongly underlined their ambitions in this tournament. A powerful Oranje side—full of women’s-football stars and tactically mature—is certainly among the strongest teams at Euro 2025. Will they manage to repeat the success of eight years ago? Judging by their play and attitude, many experts already see the Netherlands on the final straight toward the title clash.
