In a highly anticipated friendly match on October 10, 2023, the Netherlands women’s national football team faced Poland in Gdansk. This match marked the debut of Arjan Veurink as the head coach of the Dutch team. It aimed to showcase the team’s evolving play style and gather insights into player performance.
Match Overview
The friendly ended without goals, concluding with a scoreline of 0-0. Despite several attempts to score, the team could not find the back of the net. Notable performances included that of forward Esmee Brugts, who returned to her preferred position after previously playing as a defender.
Key Player Performances
- Esmee Brugts: Played as a left winger, showcasing her attacking skills.
- Janssen: Came close to scoring with a header, but a Polish defender made a crucial clearance.
- Keukelaar: Delivered dangerous crosses and showed promise as a young talent.
Match Highlights
Several key moments defined the match:
- 86th minute: A close opportunity for Beerensteyn, with her shot narrowly missing the target.
- 82nd minute: Janssen’s header was saved off the line by Polish defender Oliwia Wos.
- 61st minute: Veurink made tactical substitutions to assess different player roles.
- 25th minute: Beerensteyn initiated a promising attack but could not convert.
Looking Ahead
The Netherlands women’s team will continue to develop under Veurink’s guidance, focusing on refining their strategies in upcoming matches. Their next friendly is scheduled against Canada, significant for honoring Sherida Spitse, who will retire after over 200 international caps.
Conclusion
This match against Poland, despite the lack of goals, served as a crucial step for Veurink in establishing his coaching philosophy and assessing the team’s dynamics. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the team evolves moving forward.
