Vivianne Miedema marked her return to the big stage in emphatic style, netting a brace against Wales to not only open the Netherlands’ UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win but also etch her name into history by scoring her 100th international goal. The Dutch icon, playing in her first major tournament since recovering from a serious ACL injury, was the star of the show in Cardiff as Andries Jonker’s side sent a message to the rest of Europe.
The match was not just a statement win for the Dutch—it was a celebration of a legend. Miedema’s goals in the 17th and 59th minutes showcased her predatory instinct and technical class, while Lineth Beerensteyn added the finishing touch late in the second half to complete a commanding performance.
Wales, playing in their first-ever European Championship as hosts, struggled to keep pace with the former champions. Despite the home crowd’s unwavering support, Gemma Grainger’s side failed to threaten offensively and were often overrun in midfield.
Netherlands Waste No Time Asserting Dominance
From the kickoff, it was clear that the Netherlands were not taking their opponents lightly. Lining up in a fluid 4-3-3 formation, they moved the ball with pace and intent. Sherida Spitse anchored the midfield with her usual authority, while Daniëlle van de Donk and Jill Roord operated as dual engines, carrying the ball forward and pressing relentlessly when out of possession.
On the flanks, Victoria Pelova and Beerensteyn stretched the Welsh defense, creating space for Miedema to operate in the half-channels. Wales, by contrast, sat deep in a 5-4-1 block, clearly aiming to frustrate and counter, but their resistance lasted less than 20 minutes.
Goal No. 100 A Moment of Brilliance
The breakthrough came in the 17th minute—and with it, history. After a spell of sustained possession, Pelova slid a clever reverse pass through the Welsh backline. Miedema took one touch to steady herself before curling a left-footed strike into the far corner past goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan.
As the Dutch players surrounded her in celebration, Miedema raised both arms and pointed to the sky—an emotional tribute to her journey through recovery and the 100-goal milestone she had just reached. She is now only the sixth player in women’s international football to reach that mark.
“It’s special,” Miedema said post-match. “To do it in a major tournament, for my country, and in a win like that—it’s what dreams are made of.”
Wales Struggles to Respond
Wales entered the tournament as hosts and dark horses, hoping to make a statement in front of their home fans. But against a technically superior and experienced Dutch team, they struggled to establish any rhythm.
Grainger’s team was compact and defensively disciplined in the opening quarter, but lacked the transitional quality needed to break forward. Sophie Ingle and Rachel Rowe worked tirelessly in midfield, but with Kayleigh Green isolated up top, they lacked a consistent outlet.
Wales’ best moment came just before halftime when Jess Fishlock surged through midfield and released Angharad James, whose shot from the edge of the area flew just over the bar. It was their only attempt on goal in the half.
Dutch Control Intensifies
After halftime, the Netherlands stepped up another gear. Their midfield trio began to dominate possession even more thoroughly, and the pressing intensity suffocated any Welsh attempts to build from the back. Jackie Groenen came on to add further energy, while Beerensteyn began to exploit the tired legs in the Welsh defense.
It was no surprise when the second goal arrived—again from Miedema. This time, she latched onto a cross from Van de Donk, shrugged off her marker, and calmly slotted past O’Sullivan with a first-time finish.
Miedema wheeled away in celebration again, and it was clear the Netherlands were in total control.
Beerensteyn Wraps It Up
With the points all but secured, Jonker made several substitutions, bringing on fresh legs like Esmee Brugts and Romee Leuchter. The energy off the bench kept the Dutch pressure high, and Wales simply couldn’t escape their half.
In the 78th minute, Beerensteyn got her reward. After a brilliant overlapping run from Pelova, the Ajax winger’s low cross found Beerensteyn at the far post. She rifled a shot into the roof of the net, putting the game well out of reach.
It was a well-deserved goal for a player who had tormented the Welsh defense all evening with her pace and directness.
Tactical Analysis
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Netherlands Fluid Aggressive and Clinical
The Dutch showcased a masterclass in modern attacking football. Jonker’s side maintained width and positional discipline while allowing creative freedom in the final third. Their midfield triangle functioned perfectly—Spitse as the controller, Roord as the aggressor, and Van de Donk as the link.
Miedema played slightly deeper than a traditional No. 9, often dropping into the hole to create numerical superiority in midfield. This pulled Welsh center-backs out of position and created space for runners like Pelova and Beerensteyn.
Defensively, the Dutch back four was rarely troubled, with Dominique Janssen and Stefanie van der Gragt providing experience and calmness when required.
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Wales Courage Without Cutting Edge
Gemma Grainger’s tactics were understandable—compact shape, low block, hit on the break—but they were too passive. The midfield struggled to link play, and the forward line lacked movement and support.
Defensively, Wales were well-organized but overwhelmed by the volume and quality of Dutch possession. Their wide defenders, in particular, were isolated and often faced 2v1 situations.
Player of the Match Vivianne Miedema
There was no competition for this honor. On a night where she reached an extraordinary milestone, Miedema was simply outstanding. Her movement, finishing, and footballing intelligence were on full display. Every time she touched the ball, something dangerous happened.
After being sidelined for over a year due to injury, her performance was not just a return—it was a rebirth.
“I’ve worked so hard for this,” she said. “And I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.”
Reactions and Quotes
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Andries Jonker (Netherlands Coach)
“We executed the plan well. Miedema’s return gives us belief and leadership. We’re proud of the result but it’s only one step.”
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Gemma Grainger (Wales Coach)
“We’re disappointed, of course. But we’re in the tournament, and we have two games to go. We need to regroup, learn quickly, and keep fighting.”
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Jess Fishlock (Wales Midfielder)
“They’re a top team, no question. We gave everything, but we didn’t create enough. It’s back to work now.”
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