According to manager Andries Jonker, the Netherlands locker room was not filled with cheers but rather a calm feeling of contentment after their 1-1 draw against the United States at the Women’s World Cup.
The Netherlands team sought revenge against the Americans, who had prevented them from winning the trophy in 2019 and had also eliminated them from the Olympics two years ago in the quarter-final.
“There were no cheering players – they were content though,” Jonker told reporters via a translator.
“They were content about what they were able to show at different stages.”
In the 17th minute, midfielder Jill Roord scored a great goal, delighting the Netherlands’ fans who were wearing orange and filling the stands at Wellington Regional Stadium.
However, the game’s dynamics changed after Lindsey Horan, the captain of the US team, scored the equalizer in the second half. The Netherlands, who had a strong attacking presence in the beginning, lost their effectiveness, while the Americans increased their pressure.
“You play against America, they’re going to press, they’re going to chase to score a goal,” said Roord.
“So I think it’s a bit natural that the game changed a bit. We tried to keep playing like we did the first half but that was difficult.”
The 2017 European Champions were already missing their leading goal scorer Vivianne Miedema, who was unable to participate in the tournament due to injury. Additionally, they had to cope without striker Lineth Beerensteyn after she got injured in their first victory against Portugal.
“We’re definitely not unhappy – I think we did a good game,” said Roord.
“There were phases that we controlled and there were phases that they controlled so in the end I think 1-1 is a fair result.”
The Netherlands are almost guaranteed to advance to the knockout stages as they prepare to face Vietnam in their last Group E match on Tuesday.
READ ALSO: USA have yet to produce their best at World Cup, says Andonovski after Netherlands draw
