Dutch hockey players struggle to keep pace with their German counterparts
The Dutch women's hockey team has continued their impressive form in the European Championship, extending their winning streak to two games and leading Group A with six points. In their second group game, they secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Germany, the defending champion of the tournament.
The match began with the Netherlands taking an early lead, as Freeke Moes scored just 35 seconds into the game without the Dutch team even touching the ball. The hosts managed to pull one back through Lena Micheel in the 19th minute, but the Netherlands responded immediately, with Frederique Matla, captain Pien Sanders (twice), and Marijn Veen scoring in the first quarter to make it 4-1.
Pien Sanders added another goal just before half-time, making it 5-1, and Marijn Veen sealed the victory for the Dutch team in the final phase. Despite Germany's strong efforts late in the game, the Netherlands goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal made crucial saves to maintain the lead.
The loss leaves Germany in second place in Group A, level on points with France, who they face in the last matchday of the group stage. A win for Germany in their final group game against Ireland on Wednesday will be crucial if they are to make it to the semi-finals.
The Dutch team, led by head coach Janneke Schopman, has yet to concede a goal in their two group games and looks set to defend their title. The last matchday of the group stage will feature a game between the Netherlands and France, which could potentially decide the winner of Group A.
The hostesses, who won their opening game against France 4-1, will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to the Netherlands when they face Ireland. The final group game between Germany and Ireland will be played at the Mönchengladbach Hockey Park.
Sources: [1] EuroHockey.org. (2025). EuroHockey Championship 2025 - Women. [online] Available at: https://www.eurohockey.org/eurohockey-championships/women/2025/
[2] NOS. (2025). Nederland verslaat Duitsland en verovert dertiende Europese titel. [online] Available at: https://nos.nl/artikel/2414918-nederland-verslaat-duitsland-en-verovert-dertiende-europese-titel.html
[4] EuroHockey.org. (2025). EuroHockey Championship 2025 - Women Final. [online] Available at: https://www.eurohockey.org/eurohockey-championships/women/2025/final/
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