The Netherlands team had managed to score only once in their previous two games. However, they were well aware that goal difference could determine the group winners. In a remarkable display, they quickly took a commanding lead of 4-0 within the first 25 minutes of the game. The highlight of their impressive performance was Brugts’ beautifully curled goal.
In the 57th minute, the Netherlands secured their second goal, which mirrored their earlier success, extending their lead to 6-0. Jill Roord also contributed her second goal of the match, sealing the team’s impressive victory, the largest of the tournament thus far.
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| Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – Vietnam v Netherlands – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand – August 1, 2023 Netherlands’ Esmee Brugts celebrates scoring their third goal. Photo: Reuters |
“I will definitely remember this match with joy,” stated Brugts. “Not only did I score two goals, but the entire team performed exceptionally.”
The team’s confidence level remained unchanged after the game. Our primary goal was to secure the top spot in the group, and we successfully achieved that objective. We are pleased with the outcome.
The Netherlands were projected to place below the United States in their group. However, the defending champions faced a surprising goalless draw against Portugal in Auckland, ultimately finishing in second place in Group E, just two points behind the leaders.
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| Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – Vietnam v Netherlands – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand – August 1, 2023 Netherlands’ Jill Roord celebrates scoring their seventh goal. Photo: Reuters |
The team that finished in second place in 2019 will be traveling to Sydney for their last 16 match on Sunday. It is highly probable that they will be competing against Italy, currently ranked second in Group G after Sweden.
Despite the absence of their all-time leading scorer Vivianne Miedema due to injury, the Dutch team showcased their attacking prowess by having five different players find the back of the net against Vietnam. This victory came as no surprise as Vietnam had already been eliminated from the competition after suffering defeats in their previous two matches.
In the first half, Lieke Martens, Katja Snoeijs, Roord, and Danielle van de Donk contributed goals to the Netherlands’ remarkable performance. In total, the team made an impressive 42 attempts at goal, with 17 of those shots hitting the target. Conversely, Vietnam could only manage five shots, none of which were on target.
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| Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – Vietnam v Netherlands – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand – August 1, 2023 Netherlands’ Esmee Brugts celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates. Photo: Reuters |
During the match, Dominique Janssen demonstrated her exceptional skills as she launched a precise and powerful ball from the defence into Vietnam’s penalty area. It was a remarkable play that showcased her talent.
Moments later, Netherlands’ forward, Martens, seized the opportunity and expertly lobbed the goalkeeper, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, scoring a fantastic goal. This goal not only gave the Netherlands the lead but also marked Martens’ 60th international goal.
Snoeijs capitalized on an opportunity created by Van de Donk and successfully scored three minutes later. Shortly after, Brugts impressed with a well-executed strike from outside the box, which found the top right corner of the net.
In a commendable display of skill and persistence, Roord found the back of the net for her team after twice missing the target with her shots. This momentous goal was beautifully assisted by Janssen’s cross and expertly volleyed by Roord. Demonstrating their outstanding teamwork, Roord’s earlier attempt was met with an impressive save by Kim Thanh, only for Van de Donk to capitalize on the loose ball and effortlessly tap it into the goal just moments before halftime.
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| Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group E – Vietnam v Netherlands – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand – August 1, 2023 Netherlands’ Jill Roord shoots at goal. Photo: Reuters |
After a fantastic sixth goal by Brugts, who delivered a fierce strike, Roord, who had previously hit the crossbar, scored the seventh goal with just seven minutes left in the game.
“The disparity between us and the Netherlands is evident,” remarked Vietnam coach, Mai Duc Chung. “Although we gave it our all, we couldn’t bridge the gap and I had concerns it would be even wider.”
“We have allowed 12 goals during our three games, indicating a relatively lower performance level even in comparison to other Asian teams. Nonetheless, I am appreciative of the team’s commendable efforts throughout this endeavor. Their unwavering spirit has left me content.”
