The Netherlands begins the title defense with Sverigelott – Sporting Life
The Netherlands overcame the loss in the first half by both a goalkeeper and a key defender to come from behind and open their Uefa Women’s EURO title defense with a 1-1 group C draw against Sweden in Sheffield.
The scenes before the match were colorful with thousands traveling from both nations and the orange-clad Dutch people dancing en masse to the stadium just like before their triumphant matches at home five years ago. However, it was an early blow for the owners when goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal was injured in a collision with colleague Stefanie van der Gragt, which meant an unexpected second senior cap and competitive debut for Daphne van Domselaar.
The bench was restless, and with 36 minutes passed fc’s coach gave Kosovare Asllani the opportunity the player had been hoping for. At the other end, Lieke Martens immediately forced Hedvig Lindahl to save but it got worse for the Netherlands. when even defender Aniek Nouwen was forced off by injury.
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A first loss ever for the holders in an opening match of a EURO defense for women since the group game was introduced in 1997 seemed to be on the cards. At the start of the second half, however, Jill Roord, fresh from a productive season for both Wolfsburg and the Netherlands, came to the level after a Vivianne Miedema pass was deflected into her path.
Sweden sent on the key striker, and Miedema’s Arsenal attacking partner, Stina Blackstenius, who had not been able to start after an injury recently. But Miedema’s connection to former Gunners teammate Roord almost bore fruit again, only a fantastic Magdalena Eriksson sliding tackle that denied Roord. The final stages were exciting, Van Domselaar made a fantastic diving save from Fridolina Rolfö, and the noise inside Bramall Lane was loud, but the points were shared.