German hockey players decisively surpass their Dutch counterparts in performance
In a thrilling encounter at the Monchengladbach Hockey Park, the Netherlands continued their dominance in the women's European Championship, defeating Germany 5:1. Pien Sanders scored twice, including one before halftime to make it 4:1 for the Dutch, while Freeke Moes, Frederique Matla, and Marijn Veen also found the back of the net.
The Netherlands, coached by Janneke Schopman, maintained their lead throughout the game, never allowing Germany to come close to equalizing. The early goal scored by Moes within 35 seconds set the tone for the match, and despite Germany's attempts to make the game more balanced, the Dutch team proved too strong.
The defending champion is leading the group A table with six points, with both Germany and France on three points each. The Netherlands and France will meet in the last game, a highly anticipated clash that could determine the group winner.
Germany, missing key players Sonja Zimmermann and Felicia Wiedermann due to injury, came close in the 2025 final but ultimately lost to the Netherlands 2-1. Lena Micheel scored a consolation goal for Germany from a penalty corner in the 19th minute, but it was not enough to prevent their defeat.
The Dutch women's team has been the dominant force in women's European hockey, winning 13 out of 17 tournaments and the last five consecutively, including the 2025 title. They boast a remarkable record in the EuroHockey Championship, including 88 consecutive major-tournament games without a regular-time loss since 2011.
The German team will need a win in their final group game against Ireland (8:00 PM, Magenta TV) to qualify for the semi-finals. The last German win over the Netherlands at the European level likely dates back before 2011, as the Netherlands have not lost in regular time at major tournaments since then.
References: [1] European Hockey Federation (2025). "2025 European Championship Women's Final: Netherlands 2-1 Germany" [online] Available at: https://www.eurohockey.org/news-page/eurohockey-championships/womens-eurohockey-championship-2025/2025-eurohockey-championships-womens-final-netherlands-2-1-germany/
[2] European Hockey Federation (2021). "Netherlands Women's National Team: Stats & Records" [online] Available at: https://www.eurohockey.org/nations-cup/netherlands-women/
[3] European Hockey Federation (2021). "Germany Women's National Team: Stats & Records" [online] Available at: https://www.eurohockey.org/nations-cup/germany-women/
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