The Netherlands will make its FIFA Women’s World Cup debut this summer. The Dutch played in the first recognized international women’s match in 1971, but are still trying to find their way in the international game.
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Roster
Goalkeepers: Loes Geurts, Sari van Veenendaal and Angela Christ
Defenders: Stefanie van der Gragt, Mandy van den Berg, Petra Hogewoning, Dyanne Bito, Dominique Janssen and Maran van Erp
Midfielders: Desiree van Lunteren, Sherida Spitse, Daniëlle van de Donk, Lieke Martens, Merel van Dongen, Anouk Hoogendijk, Tessel Middag, Jill Roord and Vanity Lewerissa
Forwards: Anouk Dekker, Manon Melis, Vivianne Miedema, Kirsten van de Ven and Shanice van de Sanden
Coach
Roger Reijners has had tremendous success with the Netherlands since taking over. He guided the Oranje to the 2013 European Championships, but they failed to qualify past the group stage. Reijners has had just two other jobs (MVV and Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch second division) and he’s come a long way since he joined the national team.
Group A schedule
June 6: vs. New Zealand in Edmonton
June 11: vs. China in Edmonton
June 15: vs. Canada in Montreal
How they qualified
The Netherlands finished second in Group 5 in UEFA qualifying, but it had to participate in a playoff in order to book its spot at the World Cup. The Dutch defeated Scotland and Italy at that stage to clinch their berth.
Team strengths
The women’s squad has quality infrastructure, development, and training methods thanks to the traditional success of the men’s team. It’s helping the Lionesses realize their potential, especially at the back, where they’ll be a tough team to break down and will be incredibly dangerous on the counter.
Team weaknesses
The downside for the women is that they’re not as fluid on attack as the men’s team. That will eventually come with time, but at this World Cup, the Netherlands has to rely on their defensive shape and speed to expose the opposition on the break.
Player to watch
Vivianne Miedema is just 18 years old, but she’s arguably the Netherlands’ best player. She was the top scorer in UEFA qualifying and she’ll be a crucial part of this Dutch team for many years to come.
Burning question
Will the Dutch finally live up to their potential? The Netherlands is considered to be a sleeping giant in the women’s game. The combined Belgian and Dutch league (BeNe League) was formed to boost the development and competitiveness of both countries. Now it’s time to see if that move has paid off.
Prospects
China and Canada will be very difficult to outlast, so chances are Netherlands won’t pip either to win Group A. However, they can still qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best-placed third-placed teams. That has to be the minimum expectation, even if the team isn’t the finished product yet.
World Cup history
1991 — Did not qualify
1995 — Did not qualify
1999 — Did not qualify
2003 — Did not qualify
2007 — Did not qualify
2011 — Did not qualify