Euro 2025: Netherlands cruise to comfortable win over Wales – report & reaction

It’s defeat for Wales in their major tournament debut.

They frustrated the Netherlands for much of the first half but, once Vivianne Miedema put them ahead, the Dutch cut loose.

A sobering encounter for Wales, but still a proud moment for their history-makers.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Match of the Day

It’s not often you see a goalkeeper go down with cramp.

I think it’s the occasion, the weather. She has made some terrific, brave saves.

I think it’s mostly the adrenaline, the occasion – it does take a toll on any player.

Wales keeper Olivia Clark looks to be suffering from cramp.

She’s fine to continue after treatment but then gives the ball away to Victoria Pelova.

Luckily for Clark, the scorer of the Netherlands’ second goal fires her shot over.

Kath Morgan
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru

I know they’re tired but Wales needed to put just a little bit more pressure on Groenen’s shot.

Another chance for the Netherlands as Jackie Groenen, who hit the bar in the lead-up to her side’s third goal, volleys wide from the edge of the area following a half-cleared corner.

There will be five minutes of added time.

Into the final minute of normal time now.

Some of Wales’ players look exhausted.

Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales at Allmend Stadion Luzern

Experience is key at major tournaments.

Sherida Spitse has come on for her 245th cap.

Wales? They’ve played 243 games. Ever.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Match of the Day

They will keep going, they will keep fighting.

Ella Powell did her best to delay the ball.

Lily Woodham worked her socks off to get into a position to effect the ball.

Kath Morgan
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru

That was a heroic clearance from Lily Woodham, even though the game has gone the players haven’t stopped trying.

Mark Poyser
BBC Radio Wales commentator in Lucerne, Switzerland

That anthem was beautiful. If they’re going to be beaten they’re not going down quietly.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Match of the Day

Wales are still giving it everything.

That is what they will always do, this team, whatever the scoreline.

They’ll want a goal – that’s still a major moment for the team and the player, if they can get one.

Wales are still plugging away, with Lily Woodham sending a free-kick into the Dutch box.

It leads to nothing but Woodham then saves a what looked like a certain goal from the subsequent Netherlands counter-attack, blocking Chasity Grant’s low shot.

Nia Jones
Former Wales international on BBC Radio Wales

She’s just half a foot offside there – I really feel for Beerensteyn, because that was an in incredible finish.

Danny Gabbidon
Former Wales defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Wales are going to have to find a way, moving into the next couple of games, of getting on the ball a little bit more, maybe being a little bit braver with that press and trying to manufacture a few more clear-cut chances because we haven’t seen too many of them.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Match of the Day

I know Rhian Wilkinson will protect her players in the media.

I don’t think she’ll go too hard on them because really it’s a 15-minute spell either side of half-time which has killed any momentum for Wales.

The Netherlands think they have a fourth goal as Lineth Beerensteyn finds the net from a tight angle, but the flag is up for offside.

The fourth official indicated that Dutch defender Veerle Buurman had been substituted but it looks like she’s returned to the pitch following treatment for an injury.

Ceri Holland won’t be risked after walking off the field following that injury. Carrie Jones takes her place.