Cymru lose out to Netherlands in EURO 2025 opener

Cymru 0-3 Netherlands

• Cymru beaten by 2017 champions in first Group D game
• Viv Miedema scores stunner in first half stoppage time
• Victoria Pelova and Esme Brugts also find the net
• France next up for Cymru on Wednesday night

Cymru were beaten in their UEFA EURO 2025 opener in Group D as Netherlands ran out 3-0 winners in Lucerne. 

Viv Miedema’s stunning goal in first half stoppage time, along with clever finishes from Victoria Pelova and Esme Brugts early in the second half, were the difference between the two sides as Cymru nonetheless made history by taking to the field in a women’s major tournament for the first time. 

It was always expected to be a tough test against the 2017 champions, but Cymru weathered the early storm well as the Dutch enjoyed the majority of possession. Olivia Clark made a strong early save to deny Jill Roord, while Angharad James blocked Jackie Groenen’s menacing shot from the edge of the box. Roord went close again on 35 minutes, as she unleashed a ferocious strike from distance which beat Clark but crashed against the post. 

The majority of Cymru’s attacking threat came on the counter attack through Ceri Holland, but it was Lily Woodham who had their best chance late in the first half as she sent a shot over the bar following a neat corner routine involving Holland and Jess Fishlock.

It appeared that the contest would remain goalless at the break, but Netherlands all-time top scorer Miedema popped up with a moment of magic in the third minute of first half stoppage time. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, the Manchester City striker curled a stunning strike into the far corner – her 100th goal for her country. 

Cymru will have aimed for an immediate response in the second half, but Netherlands found a second goal just three minutes after the break. A ball over the top found Daniëlle van de Donk, who played the ball into the middle for Victoria Pelova to fire low past Clark.

Dutch midfielder Roord would strike the woodwork for the second time on 52 minutes after being played through by Miedema, but it was not long until Oranje had their third goal. Just before the hour mark, Jackie Groenen’s shot crashed against the bar but the ball was worked back out to Pelova on the right hand side and she crossed for Esmee Brugts to finish past Clark at the back post. 

That ultimately put the game to bed but Holland continued to create down the right as Cymru looked for a goal, while a goalline block from Lily Woodham and last-ditch tackle from Gemma Evans showed that Rhian Wilkinson’s side were not giving up easily. 

Certainly not how Cymru would have wanted their history-making night to pan out, but to see this team on this stage – backed by the incredible travelling support of Y Wal Goch – was an inspiring moment that brought goosebumps to anyone with a Welsh connection inside the Allmend Stadion. 

Next up for Wilkinson’s side is a meeting with France in St Gallen on Wednesday night. Les Bleues take on England in Group D’s other opening fixture later today.