Wales faced a tough initiation into the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 as they took on the Netherlands in their Group D opener at Lucerne’s Allmend Stadium. The match marked Wales’ first appearance at a major tournament, and despite a valiant defensive effort in the first half, they were ultimately overcome by a clinical Dutch side, losing 3-0.
The game kicked off with Wales showing determination and resilience, particularly in defense. Olivia Clark, the Welsh goalkeeper, made an early fingertip save denying Manchester City’s Jill Roord within five minutes, setting the tone for a match where Wales would rely heavily on their defensive solidity.
Roord proved to be a constant threat, cutting inside and unleashing a fierce 25-yard shot that rattled the post on the 35th minute. She would hit the woodwork again in the second half, underscoring the Dutch dominance in creating chances. Despite these threats, Wales’ defense, often described as a defensive seven, managed to keep the scoreline goalless heading into the break.
However, just seconds before halftime, the deadlock was broken by a moment of brilliance from Vivianne Miedema. The Manchester City forward, who was playing on a historic day, curled a spectacular strike into the top-right corner from just outside the penalty area during stoppage time. This goal was not only a stunning finish but also marked Miedema’s 100th international goal, making her the first Dutch player, male or female, to reach this milestone.
Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock reflected on the impact of conceding at such a crucial moment, telling BBC Sport: “To concede just before half-time and then so quickly after half-time... probably lapses of concentration and at this level, you switch off and you get punished. We are probably going to be a little bit disappointed in ourselves that we didn’t get in and regroup the way we normally do. But this is the level and we have to get used to it real fast.”
The second half began with Wales facing an uphill battle. Just a couple of minutes after the restart, the Netherlands doubled their lead. A long ball over the top caught the Welsh defense off guard, allowing Danielle van de Donk to play a precise cut-back to Victoria Pelova, who finished clinically past Clark.
As the game progressed, Wales continued to defend bravely but began to wilt under the relentless Dutch pressure. Barcelona’s Esmee Brugts found space at the back post before the hour mark and poked home the third goal, effectively sealing the match.
Despite the 3-0 scoreline, Wales managed to keep the damage somewhat contained thanks to a combination of the woodwork, a goal-line clearance from Lily Woodham, an offside flag, and several brilliant saves by goalkeeper Olivia Clark, including a key stop denying substitute Lineth Beerensteyn.
Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson acknowledged the difficulty of the match and the timing of Miedema’s goal, stating: “It was a tough game. We know we're in a hard group but, equally, it's about Wales showing up and showing who we are as a team and a country. Getting into the half at 0-0 would have gone a long way. In the second half, that quick goal definitely hurt us. We're going to have to grow and learn from this. We're looking forward to the next game now.”
The match was a stark reminder of the challenges Wales face in Group D, often dubbed the 'Group of Death,' which also includes heavyweights France and England. Wales, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, have embraced their underdog status and remain determined to make their mark despite the tough start.
Looking ahead, Wales will face France and England in their upcoming fixtures, both formidable opponents. The experience gained from this opening match, particularly the lessons on concentration and resilience, will be crucial for their development throughout the tournament.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, demonstrated why they are among Europe’s elite. Their expected goals (xG) before Miedema’s opener stood at 1.23, reflecting their control and chance creation. The Dutch side, 2017 European champions and quarterfinalists in 2022, continue to build on their strong tradition and showed their intent with a confident performance.
Substitutions in the later stages saw Miedema exit the pitch on 71 minutes to a warm ovation, with Van de Donk and Casparij also given rest as the Netherlands managed their lead comfortably in the final moments.
The match was broadcast live on BBC One and S4C, with additional coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT 2, allowing fans across the UK to follow Wales’ historic Euros debut. For viewers in the United States, FOX aired the match with streaming available on Fubo.
Despite the loss, Wales can take pride in their defensive organization and the spirit they showed, especially in the first half. Jess Fishlock emphasized the team’s resolve, saying, “What I do know is that we are going to regroup and get better as this tournament goes on. I think we have learned we can’t switch off and we have to be better on the ball. At this level you have to keep the ball and move the ball and create space. We’ll figure it out.”
As the tournament progresses, Wales will look to build on this experience, aiming to challenge their group rivals with improved performances. The road ahead is daunting, but the Red Dragons have shown they have the heart to compete on Europe’s biggest stage.
