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TOURNAMENT REVIEW
CONTENTS 6 UEFA President’s message 7 KNVB President’s message TECHNICAL REPORT 10 The road to Enschede 20 The final 24 The winning coach 26 Technical topics 34 Goalscoring analysis 38 Talking points 42 Team of the tournament 43 Player of the tournament 44 Results and standings 48 Team profiles EVENT REPORT 66 Let’s celebrate! 72 Social responsibility 74 #WePlayStrong 76 Commercial programme 84 Licensing 86 Media rights 90 UEFA TV production 92 Communications 94 Roll of honour
UEFA PRESIDENT’S KNVB PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE MESSAGE
Dutch fans on
the march in Enschede
SETTING NEW A TIME TO
STANDARDS CELEBRATE
Such top-quality football is why the Passionate fans at home and abroad
women’s game is now a major attraction contributed to a memorable tournament
The FC Twente Stadion in Enschede was a brilliance of individual performances and a is our firm belief as well that the Together The Netherlands hosted the UEFA The tournament was also avidly
sea of orange as the Dutch team and their host of excellent matches and high-calibre #WePlayStrong campaign, launched by UEFA Women’s EURO for the first time followed on television. They say
delighted fans savoured the thrill of winning goals. The final itself was exhilarating, ahead of the Women’s EURO, will convince in 2017, and with 240,000 visitors records are meant to be broken, and
UEFA Women’s EURO 2017. The hosts’ the Netherlands and Denmark providing an increasing number of women and girls attending matches, we can certainly never before has a UEFA Women’s
outpouring of joy after the final whistle a wonderful showpiece with the accent on to play and become involved in football. say it was a very successful EURO attracted so many viewers.
was a fitting way to bring the curtain down attack and entertaining a packed crowd. As we reflect on a memorable tournament. It was also the biggest More than 5,476,000 people tuned in
on a football festival that made history. UEFA’s decision to increase the tournament, I would like to close by UEFA Women’s EURO ever held, for the final in the Netherlands, but
Over 22 days, we were captivated by tournament field to 16 certainly proved its extending my heartfelt thanks to the Royal with 16 teams taking part in 31 the competition’s popularity was not
a tournament that epitomised why the worth. More players and associations than Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), matches across seven host cities. confined to the host country, with 165
women’s game is now so firmly established ever relished the opportunity to perform its president Michael van Praag, the host From the opening match in Utrecht million viewers overall watching the
on the European football landscape. on such a prominent stage. New teams venues and everybody in the Netherlands to the final in Enschede, we enjoyed the tournament from around the world.
We were privileged to see Europe’s top have joined the established countries as who joined forces to make UEFA Women’s terrific atmosphere in the stadiums, as I would like to thank everybody
players show their skills in front of record European women’s football powers, new EURO 2017 such a resounding success. well as great support from the fans. The who was involved in UEFA Women’s
attendances for a Women’s EURO final stars have stepped into the limelight, and New standards were set in sporting, many visitors to the seven host cities EURO 2017. I am very grateful that the
round. Interest was high from start to finish, the overall quality of the 16 participants infrastructure and organisational were warmly welcomed in the fan zones, Netherlands was selected to host this
and the number of TV viewers and people emphasised the splendid development work terms – and I have no hesitation in and the large groups of supporters great tournament. I would also like to
who kept in touch with the event on digital that is taking place across the continent. predicting that the development curve of that gathered there before walking give a special thank you to UEFA for
platforms also rose to unprecedented levels. I have identified the further progress of women’s football will continue onwards together to the stadiums to watch the UEFA and KNVB
its cooperation – we enjoyed sharing
These facts go to show that women’s women’s football as a major priority, and and upwards in the years to come. matches were a memorable feature of Presidents Aleksander all those great moments with you!
football has arrived as a significant UEFA will continue to work in tandem with the tournament. In Enschede on the day Čeferin and Michael
van Praag
attraction. The tournament shone brightly, its member associations to promote and Aleksander Čeferin of the final, an incredible 10,000 people Michael van Praag
thanks to the quality of the football, the nurture the women’s game at all levels. It UEFA President took part in the fan walk to the stadium. KNVB President
6 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 7
Sweden midfielder
Caroline Seger addresses
her team-mates ahead
of the quarter-final
against the Netherlands
TECHNICAL
REPORT
ROUTE
TO THE FINAL
THE ROAD
TO ENSCHEDE
The hosts rode the crest of an orange wave all the
way to the final of a tournament full of surprises
“Life has its ups and downs. And
so does football.” Sweden’s Pia
Sundhage, one of only two coaches
to have survived from Women’s
EURO 2013, was not alone in
switching to reflective mode
after elimination from a final
tournament that yielded
unexpected ups for some and
unwelcome downs for others.
Vivianne Miedema
scores the hosts’
second goal in their
2-0 quarter-final win
against Sweden
10 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 11
ROUTE
TO THE FINAL
GROUP A GROUP B was going against them. But Italy
replied with a copybook counter,
Barbara Bonansea rounding off a
The eventual finalists take top Holders Germany take their long sprint on the left with a low
spots as Norway draw a blank chances as Italy rue their luck cross met superbly by striker Ilaria
Mauro at the near post. But the hard-
Norway were among those who fell The hard-luck blues were sung by luck story continued when Mauro
into the category of a team enduring Italy in a Group B that respected the limped off injured; Germany regained
an unwelcome downturn. The 2013 form book – but only just. Antonio the lead from the penalty spot; and
finalists, having been handed the Cabrini’s side, struggling to retain Elisa Bartoli was red-carded. In the
poisoned chalice of an opening game possession against Russia’s compact face of adversity, Italy still pressed
against the hosts, could hardly have 1-4-1-4-1 defend-and-counter forward – but failure to find a second
Norway’s Caroline
imagined the worst-case scenario of Graham Hanson feels structure, fell 0-2 behind thanks to equaliser spelt elimination.
zero goals, zero points and last place the pain of defeat the opportunism of striker Elena In theory, this converted their final
in a Group A where six fixtures Danilova and a conclusive header by game against Sweden into a formality.
produced nine goals and only one Elena Morozova from a corner. Losing Pia Sundhage’s team had opened their
Russia’s Elena Morozova on
game in which both teams found the net. the run against Italy
influential right-back Sara Gama to campaign with a point against Germany
The battle between the Netherlands’ injury after barely 25 minutes was a in a high-intensity match that had
broad 1-4-3-3 and Norway’s narrow further blow. Switching to 1-4-4-2 for just about everything except goals.
1-4-4-2 was settled by the hosts’ the last half-hour by injecting Cristiana They had then defeated the compact,
wingers. Lieke Martens’ cross from the Girelli as second striker, Italy rallied industrious Russian team thanks to
left was headed home by Shanice van de after the break but could score only the misjudged handling of a free-kick
Sanden, who had cut in from the right once against the flagging Russians. and an intercepted goal-kick that let
to get across a surprised defender. A glaring defensive error then in Stina Blackstenius. But Sweden’s
Norway’s downhill start was put them 0-1 down to Germany and normally impermeable defensive
accelerated by Belgium’s courageous increased the feeling that everything tapestry was unstitched by the vertical
game plan in their second match. attacking and counterattacking of a re-
Disturbing the Norway build-up with shaped Italy who, even though Sweden
high pressing, working with heart and Sweden coach battled back to equalise twice, took
spirit and attacking in numbers when Pia Sundhage the three points with three finishes
opportunities arose, Ives Serneels’ of exceptional technical quality.
team struck gold after a cross-header- Fortunately for Sweden, Germany
Germany’s Anna Blasse Daniela
rebound combination and then when a tries to control the ball
defeated Russia 2-0 in a game that, as
Sabatino
long throw on the right was allowed to during the Group B match scored twice Elena Fomina commented afterwards,
bounce untouched across the Norway against Russia in Utrecht as Italy “could have become more exciting
beat Sweden
goal area until the head of Janice without the two penalties”. Steffi
Cayman nudged it into the net. Jones’ side, without scoring in open
This left Norway the challenge of the area had allowed the Netherlands play, topped the group while Sweden
putting a hatful of goals past Denmark to defeat them from the penalty spot. edged second place at the expense of
in the last match and hoping for the Even with six points in the bag, the two teams that had made a positive
best. Instead, they received the worst hosts needed to avoid defeat in their contribution to a fascinating group.
– an early goal conceded after a ball- final game against Belgium who, again,
loss in midfield, a solo run by Pernille set about their task with courage and
Harder and a clinical finish by Katrina conviction – even when trailing to GERMANY TOPPED
Veje. The remainder of the match
echoed the blues lyric: “If I didn’t have
another penalty. Countering the width
of Dutch attacking with a 1-4-3-1-2 Shanice van
GROUP B WITHOUT
bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at formation, Belgium put a cat among de Sanden
enjoys the
SCORING IN OPEN
all.” Martin Sjögren’s side hit the bar
twice, the post once and had a penalty
the home pigeons by equalising when
a cross-cum-shot looped over Sari van
Netherlands’
win against
PLAY, WHILE
saved by Stina Lykke Petersen. Veenendaal into the net. But a deflected Norway SWEDEN FINISHED
The result was enough to send
Denmark through as runners-up after
shot by Martens beat Justien Odeurs
in similar fashion and, with Sarina
SECOND AT THE
three 1-0 scorelines: two in their Wiegman adjusting her formation to EXPENSE OF TWO
favour and one against. Another early
goal (a rebound after a free-kick) had
accommodate a second screening
midfielder, the Dutch defended their
POSITIVE TEAMS
Belgium goalkeeper Justien
felled Belgium, whereas a contact in 100% record to top the group. Odeurs keeps Denmark at bay
12 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 13
ROUTE
TO THE FINAL
Eugénie Le
GROUP C Fielding three centre-backs and two
Sommer’s
penalty took
wing-backs, Freyr Alexandersson’s France past
Iceland
team had countered French technique
Debutants Austria impress to in their opening game with industry,
force France into second intensity and organisation, only to be
defeated by a penalty. Despite taking
A similar tale unfolded in Group C the lead against Switzerland, they were
where the favourites, France, failed to caught out twice by deliveries from
score in open play and two teams went the wide areas and a final switch to
unrewarded for impressive efforts. In the
opening match, Austria’s high pressing
1-3-4-3 failed to avoid a 1-2 defeat.
That result kept Swiss hopes alive.
GROUP D
pre-empted Switzerland’s attempts Progress depended on defeating France
to construct and condensed play into – and a surprise appeared to be on the
Iceland Dominant England take control
one half of the pitch for the opening 45 cards when a through pass led to a midfielder
while Spain scrape through
minutes, during which an intercepted red card for Eve Perisset and a superb Sara Björk
Gunnarsdóttir
clearance by the goalkeeper allowed header by Ana-Maria Crnogorčević from
Group D was a story of domination by
striker Nina Burger to score what turned the ensuing free-kick. With urgency bred
one team – England – and topsy-turvy
out to be the only goal of the game. of necessity, Olivier Echouafni’s side
results among the other three. Mark
Swiss coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg pushed forward in 1-4-2-3 formation
Austria’s Stefanie Enzinger completes Sampson’s team ran up the largest
admitted: “I tried to get the message and scraped into the quarter-finals the scoring against Iceland winning margin of the tournament
across to the players that we couldn’t when a Camille Abily free-kick found
by converting total control and one-
keep trying to play the ball out from its way into the roof of the net via
on-one superiority into a 6-0 win
the back under such pressure.” Despite
a positive response, Switzerland’s
a dejected Gaëlle Thalmann. Their
3-0 win against Iceland meant that
PORTUGAL against Scotland that included some
fate seemed to be sealed when debutants Austria topped the group. POSTED THEIR spectacular moves and a hat-trick
by striker Jodie Taylor. In the other
defender Rahel Kiwic was dismissed
after an hour. On the contrary, the ten
FIRST-EVER opening fixture, Francisco Neto set
threw off their shackles – but failed VICTORY Portugal up in deep-defending mode
but failed to prevent Spain from
to break down Austria’s obdurate
1-5-4-1 deep defensive block.
Swiss captain Lara
Dickenmann (right);
IN A FINAL piercing the armour twice. Jorge Vilda’s
Other opponents were to encounter Iceland pushed
France to the limit
TOURNAMENT team then enjoyed a similar share of
possession (74%) against England in
similar problems. France needed
a corner to take a point after an
AGAINST rain-drenched Breda but, after falling
Austria throw-in had nudged them SCOTLAND behind within two minutes, were unable
to find a way through a compact,
into a 1-0 lead. And Iceland’s hitherto
narrow defensive block and conceded
solid structure was demolished by
a second five minutes before time.
two Austrian crosses and a corner.
Portugal posted their first-ever
victory in a final tournament when
a defensive lapse and a fast counter
earned them a 2-1 win against Scotland
Portugal’s Carolina
Mendes opens the and, with morale reinforced, fought
scoring against Scotland back to equalise at 1-1 against England
– a score that would have sent them
into the last eight. But they conceded
a second soon after the break while
Scotland were springing a surprise,
capitalising on a lofted through pass
and a rebound to take the lead against
Spain and then stoutly defending their
advantage. One more goal could have
taken Anna Signeul’s team through.
In the event, however, Scotland and
Spain’s Amanda Sampedro Portugal were the goal-difference
fends off Portugal’s Sílvia losers in a three-way tie on three points
Rebelo (above); England got
the better of Scotland in the
after a nerve-wracking denouement to
all-British duel (left) the final fixtures of the group phase.
14 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 15
ROUTE
TO THE FINAL
Anna Mittag contemplates NIELSEN HEADED IN THE into the roof of the net. To her credit,
QUARTER-FINALS Germany’s shock exit, as
Theresa Nielsen (right) shares CROSS AND GERMANY’S the Denmark keeper re-armed herself
and made a series of valuable saves
22-YEAR REIGN AS
the moment of triumph with
Denmark fans during the remaining 87 minutes.
Underdogs show their teeth
as heavyweights bow out
CHAMPIONS WAS OVER It took half an hour of living
dangerously for Denmark to fully engage
Nils Nielsen’s game plan based on right-
Had anyone predicted that Germany, back Theresa Nielsen pushing into midfield
France, Spain and Sweden would and enabling 1-3-5-2 attacking, with
emerge victorious from the quarter- right-side midfielder Sanne Troelsgaard
finals, few eyebrows would have been tucking in to create midfield overloads
raised. But the eyebrow-stretching and open spaces for Nielsen to exploit.
outcome was that the opposite occurred. With Pernille Harder posing questions
This turned out to be the casualty with well-timed movements between
list as the quarter-finals unfolded. German lines, Denmark’s endeavours
Pia Sundhage’s cycle in charge of were rewarded shortly after the break.
Sweden came to an end at a packed With the troops assembled in the box for
stadium in Doetinchem. Her set-up was a a corner, a clearance was picked up by
clear declaration of attacking intent, with Denmark centre-back Stine Larsen on the
Fridolina Rolfö and Stina Blackstenius as right. With two German players paying
the striking partnership with Lotta Schelin attention to the assistant referee’s flag
ready to burst forward from the right side rather than the referee’s application of
of midfield. The Netherlands faced the the advantage rule, Larsen crossed for
opponents’ 1-4-4-2 by remaining loyal to Nadia Nadim to head an equaliser. Then,
their 1-4-3-3 structure with two wingers with seven minutes remaining, Nielsen
starting from chalk-on-the-boots positions played the ball to the right, continued her
and Jackie Groenen and Danielle van de The final whistle blows diagonal run into the box, and headed
to signal victory for
Donk ready to support from midfield. England against France
in the cross. Germany’s 22-year reign
The game-changing moment came as champions of Europe was over.
after just over half an hour of cut and Next on stage: Austria v Spain in
thrust, during which neither goalkeeper Tilburg. As opposed to the thrilling
had been unduly troubled. After Vivianne dialogue between Germany and Denmark,
Miedema had fallen, the German referee, Sweden’s Stina the fixture was essentially a monologue
Bibiana Steinhaus, awarded the hosts a Blackstenius hangs with Spain bashing their attacking heads
her head as the Dutch
free-kick on the edge of the box. Amid advance; Sweden against the brick wall of Austria’s deep
questionable positioning of the goalkeeper captain Lotta Schelin 1-5-4-1 defending. Jorge Vilda’s team
and defensive wall, Lieke Martens hit the (below left) were comfortably ahead on points (20
ball calmly into the far corner to secure goal attempts to 4) but failed to find a
the crucial opening goal. The 2-0 victory knockout blow and, after 120 goalless
was secured by a coaching-manual minutes, were defeated 5-3 in the
counterattack in the second half. Martens shoot-out after Manuela Zinsberger
hit a perfectly weighted diagonal pass had saved from Silvia Meseguer.
to the right; the perfect first touch by A similar chapter was written in
Shanice van de Sanden allowed her to Deventer, where France dominated
break into the Sweden box at full gallop England in terms of possession and goal
and her precise low cross was turned in attempts but failed to break through
Manuela Zinsberger
from point-blank range by Miedema. saves Silvia Meseguer’s stalwart 1-4-1-4-1 deep defending. But,
An untimely deluge in Rotterdam penalty (above) to set unlike Austria, England found a decisive
up Austria’s shoot-out
meant that the date between Germany counterattack to break the deadlock.
victory against Spain
and Denmark coincided with Sunday after their goalless After a regain in midfield, right-back
lunch instead of Saturday dinner. And, quarter-final Lucy Bronze made a central run, feeding
when guests at the postponed feast a pass between centre-back and full-
Amandine Henry
had barely been given time to lift their keeps a close eye back for striker Jodie Taylor to beat
cutlery, Denmark had already been on Jordan Nobbs Sarah Bouhaddi and extend France’s
served a bitter starter. Germany’s right- record of falling at quarter-final hurdles.
footed left-back Isabel Kerschowski cut England had, as Mark Sampson put
inside to unleash a shot that somehow it, “ground out another result” and
found its way past Stina Lykke Petersen earned a semi-final against the hosts.
16 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 17
ROUTE
TO THE FINAL
SEMI-FINALS Theresa Nielsen and her
Denmark team-mates
are thrilled to reach the
final by beating Austria
in a penalty shoot-out
DENMARK
0-0 AUSTRIA
(aet; Denmark win 3-0 on penalties)
Denmark survived an early scare in NETHERLANDS
Breda when Sarah Puntigam, scorer of 3-0 ENGLAND
Austria’s winning penalty in the shoot-
out against Spain, struck a spot kick over A crowd of just over 27,000 created a
the bar. With Nadia Nadim and Pernille superb atmosphere for the Netherlands
Harder trying to find chinks between v England semi-final in Enschede – a
the compact lines of Austria’s defensive fascinating contest that could easily
armour, Nils Nielsen’s team looked the have passed for the grand finale. Against
more likely to score against opponents England’s 1-4-4-2, the hosts’ 1-4-3-3
who focused on setting striker Nina coped effectively with theoretical
Burger off on counterattacking runs. numerical inferiority in midfield with
But hurried passing and off-target Vivianne Miedema intelligent positional play by wingers
scores the
long-range shooting undermined opener for the
and full-backs. The individual duel
their efficiency in the final third and, Netherlands between Lucy Bronze and Lieke
with Denmark failing to deliver telling against England Martens emerging as one of the most
(above) as the
blows at the other end, extra time was Dutch were roared
fascinating contests of the tournament.
required. With Nicole Billa having added on by a record- Danielle van de Donk produced a
to Austria’s injury list during the first breaking semi- commanding performance alongside
final crowd
half, Dominik Thalhammer made only Jackie Groenen in the engine room of
two of his four permitted substitutions Sarina Wiegman’s team, linking vertical
and conceded “our game is very physical attacking transitions and providing
and we were tired”. In a shoot-out where support in the final third. England
only three of seven penalties hit the relied on accurate diagonals to switch
net, Austria accounted for three of the play from flank to flank and on direct
four misses and ran out 0-3 losers. attacking with sharp movements,
with Francesca Kirby dropping to
receive in the slipstream of the
threatening deep runs by Jodie Taylor.
The hosts made the crucial
breakthrough when Martens played
a diagonal to the right flank, where
Groenen had switched positions with
Austria’s Sarah
Puntigam (left)
winger Shanice van de Sanden. Her
with Denmark’s cross was met by a looping far-post
Line Røddik header by Vivianne Miedema that
opened the game. Although they hit
the woodwork from a corner during
Stina Lykke Petersen saves a surging second-half, England’s
Viktoria Pinther’s penalty search for a reply was undermined by
a defensive error, when Jade Moore
attempted to head the ball to her keeper
from long range. Van de Donk accepted
the gift and a deceptive scoreline was
THE DUEL BETWEEN BRONZE confirmed when a cross was deflected
into her own net by centre-back Millie
AND MARTENS WAS ONE OF Danielle van de Donk turns Bright during added-time. After all the
THE MOST FASCINATING IN away after scoring the
Netherlands’ second goal
ups and downs, the hosts had earned a
second match against Denmark – this
THE TOURNAMENT against England
time with the European crown at stake.
18 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 19THE FINAL DUTCH MACHINE HITS TOP GEAR The hosts held their nerve to take the title for the first time It was an unexpected one-night stand at the end of a protracted concert season. As if to harmonise with a sudden switch from Gregorian chant to rock’n’roll, the grey skies and rain that had dogged – but not dampened – the tournament gave way to radiant sunlight, adding a warm glow to the red-and-orange tide that flowed into the stadium in Enschede. More than 28,000 fans were witnesses to a final that was not the culmination of a story related by 30 previous matches. It was a thrilling stand-alone event. It took no more than a couple of minutes for this to become obvious. Denmark, holding a high line with goalkeeper Stina Lykke Petersen prowling outside the penalty area, fired a warning shot across the hosts’ advancing bows with a fast, menacing counterattack. It took only three more minutes to demonstrate that the threats were not empty. Katrina Veje sped down the left flank and her cross found Pernille Harder. The Denmark captain extended the pass to midfielder Sanne Troelsgaard who, The triumphant Netherlands when swivelling away, was brought players show off their prize down. Nadia Nadim struck the penalty 20 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 21
THE
FINAL
firmly into the back of the Netherlands Second, another combination on the as she had done against Sweden,
net. The hosts were behind for the first right culminated in a square pass to sidefooted her shot between Dekker
time in the tournament. And the scene Lieke Martens who turned and drove and the out-rushing Kildemoes,
had been set for a final that showcased, a shot from outside the area into the making it 3-2 to the Netherlands. MATCH
as Denmark coach Nils Nielsen put it,
“two teams trying with everything they
corner of the Denmark net. Five minutes
later, effective pressing by Troelsgaard
The goal prompted Nils Nielsen
to withdraw Kildemoes and insert
STATISTICS
had to score more than the other”. and Maja Kildemoes allowed the latter Frederikke Thøgersen as the right-sided
The adversaries expressed their to dribble past the advanced Kika van Es element in a 1-4-3-3 formation with
attacking intentions with different and loop a pass into the area left vacant Harder slipstreaming Nadim to form NETHERLANDS
lexicons. In some ways, Denmark had by the left-back. Harder, peeling off an attacking diamond. Curiously, the 4-2 DENMARK
the louder voice during the first 45 intelligently to avoid an offside flag, ran hosts appeared to be more comfortable 6 August 2017
minutes of dialogue. They displayed clear to beat Sari van Veenendaal. At the against a formation they were more FC Twente Stadion, Enschede
fluent transitions to attacking play end of a tournament marked by a goal familiar with – left-back Van Es, for
– threatening quickly whenever famine, four goals within 33 minutes. example, at greater ease facing a winger goals
0-1 Nadim 6 (P), 1-1 Miedema
opportunities arose. As in previous But no more before Swiss referee than when required to patrol a vacant
10, 2-1 Martens 28,
matches, during the construction phase, Esther Staubli whistled for half-time. zone. The Netherlands machine eased 2-2 Harder 33, 3-2 Spitse 51,
right-back Theresa Nielsen pushed Wiegman had work to do during the into top gear with a good supply of 4-2 Miedema 89
forward to give her team a 1-3-5-2 interval. Despite the goals, the Dutch diagonal openings from centre-backs to
attacking shape with Troelsgaard machinery was misfiring. Although wings; neat passing and quick support netherlands
Van Veenendaal; Van
cutting in to open spaces for her to the wingers in the 1-4-3-3 structure from midfield; and effective running
Lunteren (Janssen 57),
occupy. Centre-back Simone Boye looked threatening in the final third, and ball-shielding from Miedema, Dekker, Van der Gragt, Van
Sørensen showed her ability to carry offering fans her most influential Es (Van den Berg 90+4);
the ball forward and prompt forward performance of the tournament. Groenen, Van de Donk, Spitse;
movement with well-weighted passes. Dominique With the crowd roaring them on, Van de Sanden (Jansen 90),
Janssen (left) tries Miedema, Martens
On the left, the high-speed dribbling to stop the forward
the adversaries threw everything at
skills of Veje caused problems. Striker run of Denmark’s each other. Nielsen, in black shirt and denmark
Nadim was a threat when given Katrine Veje shorts, constantly delivered advice from Petersen; Nielsen, Boye
space to turn, dribble and shoot. the touchline. Cameras, on the other Sørensen (Røddik 77),
And, above all, Harder interrogated hand, needed to penetrate the shade Larsen, Sandvej; Troelsgaard,
Kildemoes (Thøgersen 61),
the Netherlands’ defensive set-up in the Netherlands dug-out to locate
Pedersen (Christiansen 82),
with her ability to win possession in the less visible Wiegman. Local hearts Veje; Harder, Nadim
seemingly impossible situations, to were in mouths when Troelsgaard’s
drive at opponents and to cleverly find powerful drive drifted narrowly past referee
and exploit spaces between lines. the top corner and then, suddenly, Esther Staubli (SUI)
Defensively, Nielsen’s team rapidly with the clock ticking down, it was all
attendance
regrouped in 1-4-4-2 formation, over. A neat four-player combination 28,182
Nadia Nadim
countering counters with immediate (No9) opened
in midfield ended with a long pass
pressure on the ball, making effective the scoring over the defence and Miedema, NED DEN
Sherida Spitse’s free-kick
from the spot turning inside Cecilie Sandvej to tee 4 GOALS 2
recovery runs and narrowing passing puts the Netherlands 3-2 up
channels. When pressing higher, the up her right foot, settled the issue.
10 TOTAL ATTEMPTS 11
two forwards efficiently controlled During the wait for the final whistle,
the hosts’ centre-backs and the wide Nielsen’s advanced position forced the occupants of the Netherlands 7 ON TARGET 4
midfielders tucked neatly into a narrow Martens to drop deeper than usual. bench linked arms along the touchline.
defensive block. But, as an exception to Veje was challenging right-back Desiree When it sounded, Nielsen and Wiegman 2 OFF TARGET 6
the tournament norm, the final was not van Lunteren. And Harder’s dangerous embraced. When Harder led the Danish
1 BLOCKED 1
about the efficiency of defensive blocks. prowling between the lines pulled team up for their silver medals, they
Sarina Wiegman’s team, although screening midfielder Spitse deeper were given a standing ovation for their 0 WOODWORK 0
Kika van Es enjoys
far from comfortable against the feisty the taste of victory than usual, stretching the midfield contribution to a thrilling spectacle.
underdogs, found replies to the early (middle) as Sanne triangle, allowing Kildemoes and Sofie When Wiegman, extending the tradition 0 CORNERS 4
blow. First, Sherida Spitse, drawn out Troelsgaard comes to Pedersen to shackle the linking play by of victorious female coaches at EUROs,
terms with defeat 3 YELLOW CARDS 1
of her midfield holding role, fed Jackie Groenen and Danielle van de Donk. was handed her gold medal, she looked
Groenen after winning the ball wide on While tactical adjustments were at it with an expression of disbelief that
80% PASSING ACCURACY 76%
the right. The Netherlands’ No14 lofted
a pass over the left-back for Shanice
WHEN WIEGMAN WAS being implemented, the deadlock
was broken by a set play. Defending
she had won it. And when Player of the
Match Spitse and squad captain Mandy 16 FOULS COMMITTED 10
van de Sanden to move through her HANDED HER GOLD MEDAL a free-kick outside the box, Denmark van den Berg jointly hoisted the trophy
sprinting gears and deliver a low cross
to the far post, where striker Vivianne
SHE LOOKED AT IT WITH AN erected a five-player wall with Dutch
centre-back Anouk Dekker sidling in as
into the Enschede sky to end decades
of German domination, the singing
50% POSSESSION 50%
Miedema applied the finishing touch. EXPRESSION OF DISBELIEF bookend on the far-post side. Spitse, started. And it was not Gregorian chant.
22 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 23THE WINNING
COACH
European Under-21 Championship in
2006 and 2007, along with the more
youthful enthusiasm of FC Twente
coach Arjan Veurink. She also absorbed
wisdom from other sporting disciplines
via performance managers Minke Booij
and Peter Blangé, Olympic medallists in
hockey and volleyball respectively. Leiden
University chipped in with analytical work
on player performance. And the KNVB’s
coach education specialists contributed
with analysis of potential opponents.
Wiegman was also aware that the
preparation of a host team is something
special. “Playing on home soil means there
is pressure. So we took a mental coach on
‘THERE WAS board. We prepared well and the players
knew their tasks. But if you also prepare
TEAMWORK, them for the things that can go on around
FIGHTING the tournament, that already does a lot.”
She invested a lot of time in the collective
SPIRIT AND preparation of a strong fighting unit,
GOOD FOOTBALL’ but also tailored pre-tournament work
to the individual needs of her players.
After a nervous opener against the
2013 silver-medallists Norway, Wiegman
“Before the finals, we spoke about our said: “There was teamwork, there was
aims. We agreed to show who we are, fighting spirit and we also wanted to play
show what we can do and show that good football.” She described the victory
we can play together as a team.” The over Norway as a breakthrough – and it
Netherlands showed who they were by was certainly a major step on a pathway
winning all six games, scoring 13 goals that had begun in 2007 and continued
and conceding three, to become the fourth with the laying, at UEFA Women’s EURO
country to lift the trophy and the first 2009, of defensive foundations on which
host nation to do so since Germany in traditional Dutch attacking qualities had
2001. It represented a major achievement been built in time for 2017. “We grew up
for Sarina Wiegman, who had been in with 4-3-3,” Wiegman said. “But at times
charge of the team for only six months. it’s a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1, then something
However, that is not the whole story about else. We start with a 4-3-3 but it always
a person whose national team experience changes. You have to be able to adapt.”
started with 104 caps as midfielder or The same applied to her team selection,
defender between 1987 and 2001. Wiegman’s where brave decisions needed to be made
name also appeared on the teamsheets of – such as dropping her captain, Mandy
North Carolina, where she sampled the more van den Berg. “She wasn’t in the team
professional world of women’s soccer in the but she was always there for the team
United States. She then became the third and for the media. She was an example
woman in the Netherlands, after Vera Pauw of why we were such a strong team.”
WIEGMAN’S
and Hesterine de Reus, to earn the UEFA Wiegman also kept feet on the ground,
Pro licence, doing her reality-based learning keeping a calm demeanour in the technical
with the men’s team at Sparta Rotterdam. area. “We tried to take the pressure off
Before taking the helm of the national throughout, saying we were just going to
SUDDEN IMPACT
team, Wiegman had been assistant coach do our best and to show ourselves in our
Sarina Wiegman from August 2014. When she was promoted best light. That took us all the way. But
holds aloft the trophy (top) the important thing is that people started
to head coach on 13 January 2017, she
after leading her side to six
wins from six games set about welding a solid team-behind- to love the women’s game and I hope
the-team. To assist her, she drew on the this adds to the development of women’s
After only six months in charge, Sarina Wiegman big-tournament experience of veteran football.” The team showed itself in its
inspired the Netherlands to their first senior title coach Foppe de Haan, winner of the UEFA best light – and so did Sarina Wiegman.
24 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 25ANALYSIS
TECHNICAL
TOPICS
Defences dominated a low-scoring tournament,
but UEFA’s technical observers found plenty of
positives to take from the Netherlands
THE CASE FOR based on possession and passing
with the emphasis on playing your
THE DEFENCE way into scoring positions. The other
approach sees teams who focus on
staying compact, shutting down
Ball domination fails to result spaces, defending quite close to
in more goals their own goal and then trying to
hit opponents with counterattacks.
“The tournament confirmed a steady The more defensive style was
trend towards a possession-based generally getting the edge over
combination game.” The observation, the teams who prefer the more
culled from the technical report attacking approach and who, in
on UEFA Women’s EURO 2013, was my opinion, try to offer the fans a
bluntly contradicted by a EURO more attractive way of playing.”
2017 of a very different complexion. This polarisation emerged as the
Spain’s Jorge Vilda summarised main topic from the tournament.
a tournament that showcased As UEFA technical observer
“two different approaches. One Jarmo Matikainen remarked: “The
is collective combination football defensive discipline we saw in
Sweden was already good. In the
Netherlands, it was even better.”
First: the facts. France, Germany
and Spain were the only nations
who comfortably wore the label of
‘possession teams’ in that their share
of the ball never dropped below
50%. The champions could be added France’s Eugénie
to that list, as Sarina Wiegman’s Le Sommer
tussles with
side averaged 53% of possession.
Switzerland’s
Ramona
Bachmann
26 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 27ANALYSIS
On the other hand, the fact that the
Dutch had 50-50 shares with England
OPTIONS GOING Anne Noé added: “The ability to
engage defences at a higher tempo is
Matikainen added: “We saw excellent
one-on-one defending – but not so
LEARNING TO implementing this in 2013 and trained
it a lot. The problem, of course, is that
and Denmark in the semi-final and FORWARD important when you are given no time much at the other end. There was KEEP IT TIGHT you cannot sustain it for a long time.
final suggests that possession was to control and look. We need to work a tendency to be very disciplined in An alternative was to play midfield
not an objective. Of the 26 games on anticipating defensive movements applying game plans, and maybe not pressure during the whole game – but
that produced a result, eight were New ideas were needed to break and be more proactive with runs off enough room for improvisation.” A focus on defending in training this wasn’t a good option for us, as
won by the team with a lesser share down improving defences the ball, rather than just reacting Many of the coaches in the made teams tougher to beat we gave away too much space. So we
of the ball – nine if the Austria v Spain when the ball is played to feet.” Netherlands agreed on a need to decided to mix high pressure with a deep
quarter-final (0-0 plus shoot-out) is The coaches of the teams who set out “What I missed,” said Patricia develop attacking strategies. “Teams “We’ve got to make life as hard as defensive block. We started training this
included. The differences were not to dominate games via possession González, “was greater bravery in going can defend better for a longer time possible for our opponents. If a team in blocks of ten minutes of high pressure
marginal. England beat Spain with acknowledged their frustrations. “We one-on-one in the final third. Players so something has to be done for wants to beat us, they will have to and ten of deep block during training
26% possession; Scotland did the play an offensive game,” said France like Nadia Nadim, Lieke Martens or attacking,” said England’s Mark give 110 per cent.” The comment matches and, during the weeks before
same with 31%. Denmark eliminated coach Olivier Echouafni. “But other Pernille Harder stood out because Sampson. “To be successful in the can be traced back to 2013 and to the tournament, we helped the players
Germany with 42%. Russia beat Italy teams refuse to play and concentrate they were willing to create disbalance future,” said Norway’s Martin Sjögren, Italy’s Antonio Cabrini, one of only to recognise the right moments – the
with 39%. Austria reached the semis only on defending. It’s very difficult by taking on opponents.” “Could it “we need more variety and flexibility two coaches to survive from EURO trigger points – for the start of the
and went home unbeaten with an to play against them. We try to be,” asked De Reus, “that coaches are in our attacking options.” “Teams 2013. But it was equally applicable pressure. And I think it worked out well.”
average that was hauled up to 40% find solutions against low blocks by under-estimating the value of one-on- in possession didn’t seem to find to the 2017 event. “The tournament Austria’s more advanced pressure
by a 51% share against Iceland. animating our attacking, varying the one abilities, not basing game plans solutions,” agreed Iceland’s Freyr demonstrated high levels of preparation was based on two lines of four with
In their 12 games, the trio of execution and working on set plays on them, not encouraging players Alexandersson. “For us, and in general, and discipline in terms of defensive striker Nina Burger supported by
eminently possession-based teams that might give us the breakthrough.” to use them – or even discouraging the problem was that the options in systems,” Patricia González said, “and Nicole Billa in the vanguard of attempts
scored ten goals – seven of which were Spain’s Jorge Vilda said: “The problem players from using them?” Jarmo the final third were not good enough.” Austria provided a prime example of a to disrupt the opponents’ build-up.
set plays. All three were eliminated in is that when you have an opponent Transitions to the deep block were
the quarter-finals. As the table shows, who shuts it down at the back and fast and disciplined, with players
the nations who focused on a passing is able to sustain pace and power Iceland’s Dagný prepared to sprint back into positions
game were, this time, unsuccessful. over the 90 minutes, you have to find Brynjarsdóttir behind the ball. Screening midfielder
(left) and Austria’s
The third column, marked PPP, solutions to the lack of space in the Sarah Puntigam slotted quickly into
Sarah Zadrazil
indicates the average number of final third. You can go back and start the space between the left-back and
passes per phase of possession – a again, maybe switching to the other the left centre-back to complete the
reasonable indicator of styles of play. flank. Then, when you manage to get line of five. The four midfielders set up
It reveals, for example, that a move by a centre across, they are stronger shop close to the defensive line, with
Spain involved three times as many and jump higher than you do.” Burger retreating to a position ten
passes as a move by Austria. The two Denmark coach Nils Nielsen metres inside her own half. With good
beaten semi-finalists were among neatly described the antidote to one-on-one defenders to cope with
the bottom five in this category. the possession teams: “If they penetrations, the block shifted and tilted
As Hesterine de Reus commented: want to pass it around, we can wait well, making it difficult for opponents
“There was no correlation between for them to make a mistake, we to break through. In 510 minutes of
passes and scoring potential.” can sit back and we can score.” football, Austria conceded one goal –
Discussion among the technical from a corner, when Amandine Henry
PASSES PER GAME
observers therefore focused on the was allowed to head France’s equaliser.
TEAM PASSES ACCURACY PPP
way to find attacking solutions against
teams who challenge their opponents
Spain* 627 86% 3.60
Germany 566 86% 3.54
to break them down. “I suspect that
many of the players will not have
strategy built on defensive efficiency.”
“We prioritised good defending,”
THE COUNTER
France
Sweden
474
400
83%
76%
2.73
2.28
encountered these levels of fitness and Austria coach Dominik Thalhammer said. ARGUMENT
Denmark* 368 77% 2.22 preparation in their club football,” said “We based our game on deep defence
Norway 362 73% 2.01 Jarmo Matikainen. “So, in terms of with five at the back and transitions
Netherlands 352 77% 1.90 player development, I think we need to to 4-2-3-1 attacking, knowing that we The Netherlands and England
Portugal 338 73% 1.90 focus on aspects like changes of tempo wouldn’t have a lot of possession of reap rewards from going direct
Italy 331 74% 1.96 and the sort of purposeful possession the ball.” But there was a lot more to
Switzerland 315 72% 1.83 that can hurt opponents before they Austria’s game than parking the bus. The ability to counterattack is almost a
England 304 69% 1.65 can organise their defensive block.” They kick-started their campaign with given with deep defensive strategies and
Belgium 302 73% 1.80 Hesterine de Reus agreed: “I felt high pressing against fellow debutants almost one-quarter of open-play goals
Iceland 249 67% 1.47 that the possession teams didn’t Switzerland and were good value could be directly attributed to counters.
Scotland 247 70% 1.43 have enough changes of pace in their for a 1-0 lead after a first half when In Austria’s case, possession was not
Austria* 224 61% 1.20 attacking game – whereas teams like they had effectively prevented their about a patient build-up. Nor was it
Russia 212 62% 1.17 Denmark and, especially, England The Dutch focus opponents from playing their way out. about simply clearing the ball. There was
on the task ahead
*Figures from matches with extra time were able to do a lot of damage with “I like to play with high pressure,” a rationally designed counterattacking
have been adjusted to 90-minute values against England
PPP = passes per phase of possession direct, fast-forward attacking.” Thalhammer commented. “We started strategy. The preference was to play
28 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 29ANALYSIS
as directly as possible into the final
third, exploiting Burger’s intelligent Silvia Meseguer of CATCHING THE debate about whether the growing
emphasis on playing with feet and
off-the-ball running and composure
Spain escapes Caroline
Weir, Scotland’s scorer NETTLE initiating build-up from the back
on the ball. Second-ball support was in a 1-0 victory had subtracted from work on other
provided at sprint speed, with Laura basics. The proliferation of incidents
Feiersinger breaking out fast on the Keepers emerge as a ‘weaker where keepers opted to parry or
right to play a key transition role in an link’ despite impressing in 2013 punch instead of catching the ball
effective defence-to-attack strategy was thought-provoking as, apart
that was not always achieved by the UEFA’s technical reports do not set from the errors that led directly
teams who focused on goal-prevention. out to be critical. Mistakes happen. to the net, failure to catch the ball
“We did not use the transition moments But, in an honest review of UEFA often prolonged the opposition’s
as well as we could have,” admitted Women’s EURO 2017, goalkeeping attack by keeping the ball in play
Iceland’s Freyr Alexandersson. “We is a nettle that has to be grasped. and creating scenes of chaos in the
should have passed to the transition But for goalkeepers’ errors, the box. France coach Olivier Echouafni
player instead of clearing the ball away. goal tally would have fallen even commented: “Goalkeepers now have
We gave the ball away too easily.” further below its record low. A good technique and athletic qualities
In a tournament where direct compilation of important – many but they still have to improve their
attacking paid greater dividends than of them match-changing – errors vision and reading of the game. And
more elaborate approach work, semi-
finalists England were among the teams
CROSS might give goalkeeper coaches
sleepless nights. Crosses misjudged
they still struggle with crosses.”
UEFA technical observer – and
who most frequently hit the fast-forward EXAMINATION or mishandled; shots palmed into former international goalkeeper
button. “When England played the the net; questionable positioning of – Anne Noé said: “Goalkeeper
long ball,” said Sarina Wiegman after keeper and wall; passes directly to development has come on in leaps
the semi-final, “it was not a game we The Netherlands scored four of the opposition striker. On the other and bounds in recent years. But we
were used to playing against. So we their 13 goals from crosses hand, the tournament was painted mustn’t overlook the importance
had to focus on winning the second in chiaroscuro – light and shade – as of catching the ball properly.”
ball and keeping possession with the Even though deliveries from the wide the errors were mixed with a large
ball on the ground from there.” England full-back areas accounted for 28% of open-play number of outstanding saves.
STRUCTURAL
As Jarmo Matikainen said: Lucy Bronze goals, tournament statistics provoke On the positive side: the mental
“Netherlands and England scored 24 reflections on the quality of crossing, fortitude exemplified by Denmark’s
goals between them. The speed factor accuracy and the off-ball movements Stina Lykke Petersen who, after an CHANGES
was present for both nations when routes through deep defensive blocks wide midfielders and full-backs also required to capitalise on them. The error had allowed Germany to take
attacking – speed of thought, change of highlighted the need to go round them. emerged as an important element in Netherlands, by no means the most the lead in the third minute, bounced
direction, tempo, movement, technique, In build-up play, opening the game the defence-dominated tournament. prolific or the most accurate in terms back and contributed to her team’s Flexible approaches provided
final ball or finishing touch. For me, via passes from centre-backs to wide Job descriptions could easily focus of crossing, nevertheless scored four victory with a string of outstanding greater variety in formations
speed and efficiency were the defining areas was almost standard procedure. on the contributions by England right- crucial goals in this way. The table saves. The same applied to many
factors of successful attacking.” What happened after that was critical. back Lucy Bronze or, in a different provides details, with the column labelled others. But, in terms of goalkeeping One of the salient features of EURO
As an aside, the trend towards “Once there, we counted on our two way, her Denmark equivalent Theresa ‘success’ indicating the percentage of technique, the overall reaction 2013 was that the final tournament in
more direct attacking could also be wide players to give us depth in attack Nielsen. The latter appeared as right- crosses that reached a team-mate. among the UEFA technical observers Sweden accentuated the preference for
correlated with an upturn in the number – which, ultimately, we did not achieve,” back in her team’s 1-4-4-2 defensive was one of surprise – especially a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, with half
of offsides – from 3.6 per match in 2013 said Spain’s Jorge Vilda. “The supply to structure but, when in possession, she bearing in mind the benchmarks of the dozen finalists using it as a
TEAM CROSSES AVERAGE SUCCESS
to 5.2 in 2017 – an increase of 44%. the wide areas was generally very good,” pushed into midfield to create a 1-3-5-2 set at EURO 2013 where, to quote default setting. In the Netherlands,
added Hesterine de Reus. “Nowadays attacking structure, with the left-back Spain* 111 27.75 59% the technical report, “narrowing this trend was comprehensively
France 103 25.75 41%
we see teams, such as Netherlands, stepping in as third centre-back. Wide the field to three for UEFA’s All-Star reversed. Flexibility was the name of
HIGH AND WIDE Germany, Sweden, Spain who switch play midfielder Sanne Troelsgaard tucked
Germany
Sweden
101
74
25.25
18.50
45%
39%
Squad proved to be problematical” the game. But half the teams preferred
efficiently from wing to wing. Players are in to overload the midfield and open and a keeper – Germany’s Nadine 1-4-4-2 or variations thereupon.
Norway 51 17.00 51%
equipped to hit 40-metre passes which spaces for Nielsen to exploit with Angerer – had been named UEFA’s Italy’s structure, for example, often
Netherlands 102 17.00 44%
Width offers the key to finding a was not always the case in the past.” overlapping or underlapping runs. Her Italy 51 17.00 35%
Player of the Tournament. metamorphosed into 1-4-5-1 according
way through defensive blocks The technical observers highlighted attacking role was illustrated by the Belgium 50 16.67 48% The observers in the Netherlands to opponents or match situation;
the Netherlands wingers – Shanice winning goal against Germany. Nielsen, Denmark* 99 16.50 47% were therefore puzzled when Portugal’s 1-4-4-2 featured a midfield
“Crosses!” exclaimed Pia Sundhage. van de Sanden and Lieke Martens – as working the inside channel, won a Scotland 45 15.00 31% goalkeeping emerged as one of the diamond and some eyes would register
“The quality has not been good enough. prime examples of players equipped second ball and fed a short forward Austria* 73 14.60 45% tournament’s “weaker links”, as it as a 1-4-3-3. And so on. Belgium,
All teams can defend well in the box, not only to deliver crosses but also to pass to Nadim. The striker opened play England 72 14.40 53% they put it. There was debate about Russia and Scotland could be listed
so we need to look for other solutions make penetrating runs at high speed to Frederikke Thøgersen on the right Iceland 42 14.00 40% whether deeper defending equals as 1-4-1-4-1; Iceland were alone
– different kinds of crosses, running and use their one-on-one skills to reach and her cross was headed in by Nielsen Switzerland 39 13.00 49% less visibility and more obstacles in fielding a back line of three in a
pathways into the area, overloads with the byline through inside channels who, with courage of convictions, Russia 23 7.67 39% when coming off the line. There was 1-3-5-2 structure, along with Denmark
overlapping players. We need more and supply cut-backs. Training-ground had prolonged her run to appear, Portugal 21 7.00 33% debate about the coaching received when they moved into attacking mode
possibilities.” The difficulties in finding work on relationships between wingers, unmarked, in the German penalty box. *Including extra time at club level (if any). And there was with right-back Nielsen advancing.
30 The Netherlands 2017 Tournament review 31ANALYSIS
THE ART OF TEAM ATTEMPTS AV. ON TARGET AV. OFF TARGET BLOCKED WOODWORK GOALS GROWING Germany’s
SCORING Germany 88 22.00 34 8.50 33 21 4 5
INTENSITY Steffi Jones
and Denmark’s
Nils Nielsen
Spain* 73 18.25 22 5.50 31 20 1 2 share a joke
Quality of finishing leaves room France 65 16.25 19 4.75 29 17 1 3 Tournament conditions put
for improvement as goals dry up Austria* 69 13.80 27 5.40 25 17 0 5
spotlight on player demands
Even though the shortage of goals Sweden 55 13.75 13 3.25 27 15 3 4 “During the run-up to the final
could be regarded as a homage to Netherlands 75 12.50 31 5.17 31 13 0 13 tournament, the emphasis was on
the art of defending, the quality of Denmark* 74 12.33 29 4.83 29 16 2 6
physical preparation. The players
finishing evidently came into the had to get used to intensity.” England
equation. The number of goal attempts Norway 36 12.00 10 3.33 16 10 3 0 coach Mark Sampson was by no
(773) represented an increase of England 57 11.40 21 4.20 25 11 1 11 means alone in highlighting the
18.5% in relation to EURO 2013 yet Italy 33 11.00 16 5.33 12 5 1 5 physical and psychological demands
the goalscoring average – despite the of a high-intensity event. England’s
Belgium 33 11.00 10 3.33 13 10 0 3
six-goal final – reached an all-time fitness programmes paid dividends
low. The ratio between on-target Scotland 30 10.00 7 2.33 16 7 0 2 in terms of their ability to sustain
and off-target finishing was of some Switzerland 26 8.67 9 3.00 8 9 0 3 very aggressive forward pressing
concern for France, Spain, Sweden, throughout the 90 minutes. Finland’s
Iceland 21 7.00 1 0.33 12 8 0 2
Scotland and – especially – Iceland, Jarmo Matikainen remarked: “Most
while Austria’s statistics were inflated Russia 20 6.67 6 2.00 10 4 0 2 teams were equipped to sustain game
by playing a full hour of extra time. The Portugal 18 6.00 6 2.00 7 5 0 3 intensity. It meant that concentration
champions needed 5.77 attempts to had to be maintained and, in most
score a goal; England 5.18; Germany *Including extra time; Attempts striking the woodwork are included in the on-target total if deflected by games, players could not afford to
goalkeeper or defender and in the off-target total if the attempt strikes the woodwork directly
17.6; France 21.67; and Spain 36.5. switch off for a single moment.”
Technical observer Hesterine
de Reus highlighted the emotional a valuable asset. She comes in during experience in women’s football when it
intelligence required by players who training camps and has an hour a day comes to a major international event.
had not previously experienced such with the players. Apart from working on Importing professional elements from
big-match conditions. “The tournament mental strengths, she also helps with the men’s game has undoubtedly been
demonstrated that the environment can visualisations of some technical topics, beneficial. The tournament, however,
be difficult to handle. I think that mental which is also a positive contribution.” raised questions about coaches’
coaching support becomes really Bearing in mind the parameters of behaviour in terms of engaging in
important in these circumstances. club football in many areas of the mind games with colleagues when
Attitudes can be crucial on the pitch. women’s game, mental preparations for they become the next opponent. “For
The Netherlands No7 Shanice van de stepping on to the big stage arguably me, the principles of fair play are very
Sanden illustrated how you channel assume even greater relevance. important,” Pia Sundhage said. “We
environmental pressures into positive don’t want to be like the men’s game.”
energy. The Italian players were totally The special camaraderie among
unaccustomed to such big crowds – but
they loved the attention and performed
WET BEHIND coaches was illustrated by Nils Nielsen
and Sarina Wiegman after the final
really positively except for the first THE EARS? whistle in Enschede. Apart from their
half against Russia.” On the other embrace on the pitch, they were
hand, Iceland’s Freyr Alexandersson generous of spirit. “At times we were
admitted that his players had been Fourteen of the 16 coaches were like Bambi on ice,” Nielsen told the
“a little bit overwhelmed” and felt in charge for their first EURO media, “struggling to both defend
that this had affected performance: and attack. The Dutch were the team
“When we had the ball, we should Could similar observations be applied of the tournament. They deserved
have relaxed a bit more.” to coaches? The fact that Antonio to win. I enjoyed being part of this.”
Apart from champion Sarina Cabrini and Pia Sundhage (both of Sarina Wiegman declared: “Denmark
Wiegman (see pages 24-25), other whom stepped down immediately after deserved to be here. Both teams
coaches had placed importance UEFA Women’s EURO 2017) were the wanted to play football and six goals
on psychological aspects. Dominik only survivors from 2013 meant that in an exciting final was a great advert
Nina Burger and Sarah Thalhammer, for example, said: “We 14 coaches were gaining their first for the women’s game.” The climax
Zadrazil celebrate the No10’s
goal against Switzerland that
paid a lot of attention to the mental experience of a EURO. The issue is not of a tournament that showcased the
resulted in Austria’s first ever preparation of our players – and having to question coaching abilities – far from arts of defending was a final that
finals win had a mental coach since 2011 has been it – but rather to debate the value of showcased the arts of attacking.
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