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Reigning European champions Netherlands, currently fifth in the FIFA world rankings, will aim to secure back-to-back titles this summer in only their fourth appearance in the competition.
Set to face Sweden, Switzerland and Portugal in Group C this summer, we take a look at their chances ahead of the highly anticipated Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.
Head coach — Mark Parsons
Surrey-born coach Mark Parsons succeeded now-England boss Sarina Wiegman as Netherlands manager last year after achieving success with NWSL club Portland Thorns.
Parsons spent a decade in the United States, having previously been involved in Chelsea’s coaching set-up.
The 35-year-old is set to embark on his first major tournament at international level, but will feel his talented side can go all the way as one of the tournament’s favourites.
On his footballing philosophy, the Englishman said: “My identity as a coach is that I want to attack with and without the ball in every moment, but I always say the qualities of the players come first.
“I think people will see a team that’s at the building stage, that wants to keep the core values of what has made it successful — its fighting spirit, its energy — but which is tactically flexible and looks to bring out the best in its individual players.”
Captain — Sari Van Veenendaal
Goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal was part of the Dutch side to win the European Championship in 2017, keeping four clean sheets and named in the Best XI of the tournament.
The 5ft 10in stopper then went on to win the Golden Glove at the 2019 World Cup after keeping a further three clean sheets on the Oranje’s route to the final.
The PSV custodian will look forward to returning to England, where she spent four years with Arsenal between 2015 and 2019.
With 87 caps and over 10 years international experience, Van Veenendaal will be a crucial part of Parsons’ squad as they seek to retain their European crown.
Key player — Lieke Martens
One of the greatest talents of her generation, Dutch midfielder Lieke Martens is a star of her sport.
The Barcelona attacker has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at both international and club level, along with a number of personal accolades.
After her breakthrough performances in the Netherlands’ debut World Cup appearance in 2015, she further cemented her global reputation with displays in the successful Euro 2017 campaign that earned her the Player of the Tournament award as well as pipping Carli Lloyd to the Best FIFA Women’s Player prize later that year.
Since joining Barca in 2017, the 29-year-old has enjoyed further success, including a historic treble last year as the Catalan club won their first Champions League title.
The talented winger is usually deployed on the left flank and likes to cut in on her stronger, deadly right foot and is known for her great skill and ball retention abilities.
With 133 caps and 54 goals to her name, if she can make a full recovery from a hamstring problem that has kept her sidelined in recent months, her eye for goal and ability to create chances can certainly help the Netherlands go all the way.
One to watch — Vivianne Miedema
A natural goalscorer throughout her glittering career, striker Vivianne Miedema is one of the best in the business.
The all-time top scorer for the Netherlands with 92 goals, Miedema is also the top scorer in the history of the WSL thanks to her 72 goals in five years with Arsenal.
Still aged only 25, the sky is the limit for the Dutch sensation who already boasts a European Championship and four domestic titles to her name with the Gunners and at her previous club, Bayern Munich.
And her national team coach is certainly a huge admirer.
Parsons has heaped praise on his talismanic striker, saying: “It’s a privilege to work with Viv because she’s the best goalscorer in the world right now and the most naturally talented player I’ve worked with.
“With Viv, you have a player who is the best in the penalty box, the best at getting in behind opponents and the best between the lines.
“In all three respects, she is world-class. So for me as her coach, it’s a case of trying to get the balance right and allowing her to do all of those things.”
Having scored six goals in April’s 12-0 World Cup qualifying thrashing of Cyprus, the Dutch star is set to shine again on the global stage this summer.
Netherlands’ Euro 2022 fixtures
July 9: Netherlands vs Sweden, 8pm, Bramall Lane
July 13: Netherlands vs Portugal, 8pm, Leigh Sports Village
July 17: Switzerland vs Netherlands, 5pm, Bramall Lane
