Enthusiastic England supporters celebrate the kick-off of the title defense
In a thrilling encounter at Zurich's Letzigrund Stadium, the Netherlands showcased their dominance, securing a 3-0 win over Wales in the opening match of Group D in the UEFA Women's European Championship 2025.
Captain Vivianne Miedema scored her historic 100th international goal in the match, with Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts also finding the back of the net for the Dutch. The Netherlands' victory was a strong start to their campaign, setting the tone for the group stage.
England, the reigning champions, faced France in the same group and began the match more purposefully. However, after the break, they found few openings in France's defence, with Keira Walsh's precise finish from a corner in the 87th minute being the exception. This late goal caused some jitters for France, but it was not enough to turn the tide.
France's ball players often struggled with details before taking control of the match, with Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore scoring in the 36th and 39th minutes, respectively, to secure a 2-1 victory for the French. Wendie Renard, France's long-serving captain and defensive leader, was not selected by coach Laurent Bonadei for the tournament, while record international player Eugénie Le Sommer (200 caps) is also absent from the squad.
Despite the successful start, France's dream of a first international title remains alive. The quarterfinal opponents for both England and France have not been confirmed, but England's loss in the match could potentially make them Germany's quarterfinal opponent.
Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman, 55, was not greatly affected by the retirements of the three Euro 2022 heroes (Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright) from England's national team. Georgia Stanway of Bayern Munich played in midfield for England, providing a strong presence in the heart of the team.
As the group stage continues, both England and the Netherlands will be keen to build on their performances and secure their place in the knockout stages. With the tournament heating up, the race for the title is shaping up to be an exciting one.
Football enthusiasts across Europe will eagerly watch the performance of the Dutch team, seeking to replicate their 3-0 victory over Wales in the UEFA Women's European Championship 2025. Captain Vivianne Miedema's landmark 100th international goal, coupled with the contributions from Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts, promises an intriguing display of skills in the Premier League and other European leagues.
