Dutch hockey players falter under German superiority
In the latest European Championship match, the Netherlands continued their impressive run against Germany, securing a 2-1 victory in the final held in Mönchengladbach in August 2025 [1][4]. This win marked the Netherlands' fifth consecutive title and extended their unbeaten streak in major European tournaments for 10 years.
The Dutch team, coached by Janneke Schopman, started the match strongly, scoring two goals in the first quarter. Freeke Moes opened the scoring after just 35 seconds, a quick start that left the German team struggling to respond [2]. Frederique Matla, Pien Sanders (twice), and Marijn Veen followed suit, giving the Netherlands a commanding 4-0 lead before the break.
Germany managed to pull one back in the 19th minute, thanks to a penalty corner conversion by Lena Micheel [2]. Despite this, the Dutch team extended their lead to 5-1 with a goal from Veen in the final phase, a scoreline that held until the end of the match.
The German team, missing Sonja Zimmermann and Felicia Wiedermann due to injury, could not find an equaliser, partly due to two sin-binnings that left them short-handed for much of the second half [1][4].
With this win, the Dutch team leads group A of the European Championship with six points, while Germany and France both have three points in the group. Germany needs a win against Ireland on Wednesday to still advance to the semi-finals [3].
This recent final demonstrated Germany's strong challenge at home but underscored the Netherlands' continued supremacy in European women's field hockey [1][3][4]. Over the years, the Netherlands have been dominant in the European Championship, winning their 13th title in 17 editions since the tournament began in 1984 [1]. They have a strong record in finals, including seven wins out of eight against Germany in EuroHockey finals [3][4]. Germany last won the women's European Championship in 2013 and were runners-up in 2025.
In a significant milestone, Pien Sanders played her 150th international match for the Dutch team in this match [2]. Her contributions were crucial in helping the team maintain their dominance in European hockey.
[1] EuroHockey.org [2] NOS.nl [3] De Volkskrant [4] Spox.com
- The Dutch team's dominance in European hockey is evident, as they have maintained an impressive unbeaten streak in major European sports competitions, including football and hockey leagues.
- Despite Germany's strong challenge in the European Championship, other European-leagues have frequently witnessed the Netherlands' supremacy in women's field hockey, with numerous titles in their possession since the tournament's inception in 1984.