Vivianne Miedema leads the way with 100th international goal as Netherlands hand Wales harsh lesson in Euro 2025 opener

Netherlands striker opened the scoring as her side outclassed Wales on their major tournament debut

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  Vivianne Miedema scored her 100th international goal as the Netherlands beat European Championship debutants Wales 3-0 in their opening game of the tournament. Wales held out well in the first half until Manchester City striker Miedema broke their hearts in first-half stoppage time with a stunning strike from outside the box. Victoria Pelova doubled the Dutch lead just after half-time after a fine run and pass by Danielle van de Donk, before Esmee Brugts headed home a third goal. Wales had been soundly beaten, but there was still positivity to be found after a landmark day.

  Wales began their major tournament debut with a spring in their step and showed their defensive resilience from the first minute. Goalkeeper Olivia Clark was forced into a smart stop from Jill Roord's effort within five minutes, with the Wales shot-stopper getting back to her feet to bravely palm the ball away after her initial save.

  The Netherlands enjoyed the lion's share of early possession and territory as was to be expected, but Wales made a couple of rare early forays into Dutch territory just before the 15-minute mark, two dangerous crosses from either wing just eluding a red shirt in the penalty area. Further defending was needed at the other end, Netherlands danger Miedema kept out by one of several important blocks by the Welsh defence.

  The woodwork would then keep out the Dutch on 35 minutes, Roord striking powerfully from 25 yards but seeing the ball rebound back off the upright, Clark well beaten. Wales ended the half strongly and were preparing for a positive half-time team talk, but Miedema had other ideas. The 28-year-old struck her landmark goal with just seconds until the break, curling home to break the Welsh resistance.

  The lead would be doubled just three minutes after the break thanks to Pelova, before Roord almost sealed victory but saw her strike rebound off the woodwork for the second time, this time the crossbar. That same crossbar would keep out Jackie Groenen's long-range strike, before the Netherlands did add a third through Brugts' stooping header at the far post. The Welsh side went into a huddle in the aftermath of the goal, attempting to get a foothold after the game had slipped out of their grasp.

  Roord continued to be thwarted as Clark kept out her fierce hit, before substitute Lineth Beerensteyn tormented the Welsh defence after her late introduction, forcing Clark into another smart save from close range before seeing a goal disallowed for offside from the tightest of angles. The full-time whistle would soon blow and the Netherlands had dealt Wales a harsh lesson, one which they will no doubt learn from as their Euro 2025 journey continues.

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  THE MVP

  Miedema will get the headlines after her stunning strike helped her to an outstanding century of goals for her nation. The Netherlands legend's goal was pure class, as she twisted inside and out before curling into the far corner from outside the box to break the deadlock.

  Captain Miedema almost got herself a sensational assist too, dummying to skip past an unsuspecting defender before playing a delicious pass with the outside of her boot through to Roord, who could only see her clipped strike rebound off the crossbar. What makes Miedema's contribution even more impressive is that this was only her second appearance in 11 weeks due to injury. The 28-year-old was replaced in the 71st minute and will hope to be well-rested for her nation's next match against England.

• THE BIG LOSER

  It feels unfair to single out any Wales player after a valiant display in their first-ever major tournament game. Welsh women's football has been through a lot down the years which led to this moment, including a 50-year ban on women's football in the country which was only lifted in 1970. The first official Wales women's team associated with the FAW was introduced in 1993, and they are now competing in a major European Championship finals just 32 years later. Manager Rhian Wilkinson has earnt legendary status in leading her side to qualification, and they were well in the game until a 15-minute spell either side of half-time sealed victory for the Netherlands. They will be disappointed, but equally proud and confident heading into their next group game.

• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  The Netherlands face England next on Wednesday June 9, in what will be a crunch match for both sides. As for Wales, they face France the same day and will be hoping to get their first-ever major tournament points on the board.

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  MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐