Wales v Netherlands stay: Vivianne Miedema scores stunner to beat Women’s Euro 2025 debutants

Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema scored her 100th international goal as Wales’ major tournament debut ended with a chastening 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands in Lucerne.

Wales, the lowest ranked team in the competition, had made an encouraging start to the Euro 2025 Group D opener at the Allmend Stadium, but were undone by two clinical Dutch goals either side of the break.

After Jill Roord’s shot had hit the woodwork, Wales’ solid defensive line was eventually breached when Miedema clipped home a fine dipping effort in stoppage time at the end of the first half to bring up her century in style.

Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock said the Netherlands “punished” the tournament debutants in their 3-0 win, and that Wales can’t afford to “switch off” in any game of Euro 2025.

“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,” she told the BBC.

“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 this level and we have to get used to it real fast.”

Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson said the timing of Vivianne Miedema’s goal “hurt us” and added that her team have to “learn” from their opening game of Euro 2025.

“It was a tough game,” she told the BBC. “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.”

Vivianne Miedema scored her 100th goal for the Netherlands in style to break Wales’ resistance as they fell to a 3-0 defeat on their major tournament debut at Euro 2025.

Wales looked to have reached half time with the scoreline goalless but Miedema curled a stunning finish into the top corner in stoppage time to become the first Dutch player, male or female, to reach 100 goals for her country.

The Netherlands adding a second a couple of minutes after the restart was another blow for Wales, as Victoria Pelova finished Danielle van de Donk’s cut-back. Jill Roord hit the post for the second time before Esmee Brugts arrived at the back post to make it three.

Wales are the lowest-ranked team at the Euros and spoke of their determination to embrace the role of underdogs in a heavyweight Group D. It doesn’t get any easier for Rhian Wilkinson’s side and they will play France in their next match before facing England.

90 mins: We’re into five minutes added time. 3-0 is definitely a fair result but 4-0 would be cruel and the Netherlands have a half chance, only for Wales to clear.

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau is still getting belted out in Lucerne.

87 mins: “Don’t take me home,” sing the Wales fans in Lucerne. They have been well beaten in the end in their opening game of Euro 2025 but they will not give up or stop enjoying their adventure in Switzerland. It only gets tougher from here though with games against France and England.

81 mins: The Netherlands’ xG (expected goals) to this point is 1.23, which shows that Wales had not given up too many chances before that stunning goal from Miedema.

76 mins: Lineth Beerensteyn is denied a fourth by the offside flag after lifting a lovely finish over the goalkeeper. Holland is limping off the pitch after appearing to receive some treatment for cramp.

71 mins: And now Miedema makes way, on a historic day which saw the captain become the first Dutch player to reach 100 goals for the Netherlands. She gets some rest too ahead of facing the Lionesses.

66 mins: The Netherlands are looking to be pretty content with their position and have given Van de Donk and Casparij a breather. The Dutch play England in their next game and this certainly gives the 2017 champions some breathing space ahead of facing the holders.