Dutch hockey players are significantly outmatched by their German counterparts
The European Championship group stage is heating up, with the Dutch women's hockey team currently leading the pack in Group A with seven points. However, their upcoming game against Germany on Wednesday at 8:00 PM, broadcast on Magenta TV, is far from a guaranteed win.
The German team needs a victory to keep their semi-finals dreams alive, as they currently share second place in the group with France, each team boasting three points. The Netherlands, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their lead in the group, with the defending champion of the European Championship hot on their heels with six points.
The history between these two teams in the European Championship is one of strong competition and high stakes. In the 2025 Women's EuroHockey Championship, the Netherlands and Germany faced off in the final, with the Netherlands clinching their 13th title and extending their record as the most successful team in the tournament's history.
The Dutch team started their second group game on the front foot, scoring a goal just 35 seconds into the match. They extended their lead to 3:0 in the first quarter, with goals from Frederique Matla and captain Pien Sanders, who would go on to score twice more in the game.
Despite the loss, the German team managed to make the game more balanced but did not seriously threaten the title favorite. Lena Micheel scored a consolation goal for Germany from a penalty corner, but it was not enough to prevent a 5:1 defeat. Marijn Veen scored the final goal for the Netherlands, making it 5:1. Interestingly, the goal was scored by Freeke Moes without Germany ever touching the ball.
The Dutch team's last win against Germany dates back 18 years, a fact that will undoubtedly fuel the German team's determination to secure a victory. However, the Netherlands have been dominant in European and world hockey, being the most successful World Cup team with nine titles and holding the top FIH ranking. Germany, while a strong contender, have not been able to match the Netherlands' success in women's hockey, despite their men's team's victory over the Netherlands in the 2025 men's European final.
The Netherlands and France will meet in the last matchday of Group A, a game that could potentially decide the group's winner. Until then, the focus will be on the upcoming game between the Netherlands and Germany, a match that promises to be a thrilling display of skill and determination.
The German team eagerly anticipates their clash with the Netherlands on Wednesday evening to salvage their semi-finals aspirations in the European Championship, given their second-place position in Group A, shared with France. Meanwhile, the Dutch women's hockey team, proudly leading Group A with seven points, aims to consolidate their position against their formidable rivals.
