Women’s Euro: Netherlands begin title defence with Sweden draw
The Netherlands overcame the first-half loss of both a goalkeeper and key defender to come from behind and open their Uefa Women’s EURO title defence with a 1-1 Group C draw against Sweden in Sheffield.
The pre-match scenes were colourful with thousands travelling from both nations and the orange-clad Dutch dancing en masse to the stadium just as prior to their triumphant games at home five years ago. However, there was an early blow for the holders when goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal was hurt in a collision with colleague Stefanie van der Gragt, meaning an unexpected second senior cap and competitive debut for Daphne van Domselaar.
The substitute was beaten in the 36th minute when Kosovare Asllani sent in a ball from the right that fell nicely for Jonna Andersson, unmarked, to turn in. At the other end Lieke Martens immediately forced Hedvig Lindahl to save but things got worse for the Netherlands when defender Aniek Nouwen was also forced off by injury.
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A first-ever loss for the holders in an opening game of a Women’s EURO defence since the group stage was introduced in 1997 seemed on the cards. However, early in the second half Jill Roord, fresh from a prolific season for both Wolfsburg and the Netherlands, pounced to level after a Vivianne Miedema pass was deflected into her path.
Sweden sent on key striker, and Miedema’s Arsenal attacking partner, Stina Blackstenius, who had been unable to start following a recent injury. But Miedema’s link-up with previous Gunners teammate Roord nearly bore fruit again, only a superb Magdalena Eriksson sliding tackle denying Roord. The closing stages were thrilling, Van Domselaar making a superb diving save from Fridolina Rolfö, and the noise inside Bramall Lane loud, but the points were shared.