Vivianne Miedema scored her 100th goal for the Netherlands in style to break Wales’ resistance as they fell to a 3-0 defeat on their major tournament debut at Euro 2025.
Wales looked to have reached half time with the scoreline goalless but Miedema curled a stunning finish into the top corner in stoppage time to become the first Dutch player, male or female, to reach 100 goals for her country.
The Netherlands adding a second a couple of minutes after the restart was another blow for Wales, as Victoria Pelova finished Danielle van de Donk’s cut-back. Jill Roord hit the post for the second time before Esmee Brugts arrived at the back post to make it three.
Wales are the lowest-ranked team at the Euros and spoke of their determination to embrace the role of underdogs in a heavyweight Group D. It doesn’t get any easier for Rhian Wilkinson’s side and they will play France in their next match before facing England.
Wales v Netherlands LIVE: Euro 2025 latest score and updates
- Wales beaten 3-0 by Netherlands on major tournament debut at Euro 2025
- Vivianne Miedema scores 100th Netherlands goal to break deadlock just before half time
- 57' GOAL! Brugts arrives at back post to add third for Netherlands (WAL 0-3 NED)
- 48' GOAL! Pelova doubles the Netherlands' lead right after half time (WAL 0-2 NED)
- 45+2 GOAL! Miedema breaks Wales resistance with stunner for 100th Netherlands goal (WAL 0-1 NED)
Report: Miedema’s moment of history breaks Wales resistance on Euros debut
19:44 , Jamie BraidwoodManchester City forward Vivianne Miedema scored her 100th international goal as Wales' major tournament debut ended with a chastening 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands in Lucerne.
Wales, the lowest ranked team in the competition, had made an encouraging start to the Euro 2025 Group D opener at the Allmend Stadium, but were undone by two clinical Dutch goals either side of the break.
After Jill Roord's shot had hit the woodwork, Wales' solid defensive line was eventually breached when Miedema clipped home a fine dipping effort in stoppage time at the end of the first half to bring up her century in style.
Vivianne Miedema’s moment of history breaks Wales resistance on Women’s Euros debut
Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock said the Netherlands “punished” the tournament debutants in their 3-0 win, and that Wales can’t afford to “switch off” in any game of Euro 2025.
"To concede just before half-time and then so quickly after half-time... probably lapses of concentration and at this level, you switch off and you get punished,” she told the BBC.
"We are probably going to be a little bit disappointed in ourselves that we didn't get in and regroup the way we normally do. But this is this level and we have to get used to it real fast.”
'Miedema goal hurt us': Wales boss Wilkinson
19:29 , Jamie BraidwoodWales head coach Rhian Wilkinson said the timing of Vivianne Miedema’s goal “hurt us” and added that her team have to “learn” from their opening game of Euro 2025.
"It was a tough game,” she told the BBC. “We know we're in a hard group but, equally, it's about Wales showing up and showing who we are as a team and a country.
"Getting into the half at 0-0 would have gone a long way. In the second half, that quick goal definitely hurt us.
"We're going to have to grow and learn from this. We're looking forward to the next game now.”
FULL TIME! Wales 0-3 Netherlands
18:58 , Jamie BraidwoodVivianne Miedema scored her 100th goal for the Netherlands in style to break Wales’ resistance as they fell to a 3-0 defeat on their major tournament debut at Euro 2025.
Wales looked to have reached half time with the scoreline goalless but Miedema curled a stunning finish into the top corner in stoppage time to become the first Dutch player, male or female, to reach 100 goals for her country.
The Netherlands adding a second a couple of minutes after the restart was another blow for Wales, as Victoria Pelova finished Danielle van de Donk’s cut-back. Jill Roord hit the post for the second time before Esmee Brugts arrived at the back post to make it three.
Wales are the lowest-ranked team at the Euros and spoke of their determination to embrace the role of underdogs in a heavyweight Group D. It doesn’t get any easier for Rhian Wilkinson’s side and they will play France in their next match before facing England.
Wales 0-3 Netherlands
18:55 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: We’re into five minutes added time. 3-0 is definitely a fair result but 4-0 would be cruel and the Netherlands have a half chance, only for Wales to clear.
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau is still getting belted out in Lucerne.
Wales 0-3 Netherlands
18:51 , Jamie Braidwood87 mins: “Don’t take me home,” sing the Wales fans in Lucerne. They have been well beaten in the end in their opening game of Euro 2025 but they will not give up or stop enjoying their adventure in Switzerland. It only gets tougher from here though with games against France and England.
Wales 0-3 Netherlands
18:44 , Jamie Braidwood81 mins: The Netherlands’ xG (expected goals) to this point is 1.23, which shows that Wales had not given up too many chances before that stunning goal from Miedema.
Wales 0-3 Netherlands
18:39 , Jamie Braidwood76 mins: Lineth Beerensteyn is denied a fourth by the offside flag after lifting a lovely finish over the goalkeeper. Holland is limping off the pitch after appearing to receive some treatment for cramp.
Wales 0-3 Netherlands
18:34 , Jamie Braidwood71 mins: And now Miedema makes way, on a historic day which saw the captain become the first Dutch player to reach 100 goals for the Netherlands. She gets some rest too ahead of facing the Lionesses.
Wales 0-3 Netherlands
18:31 , Jamie Braidwood66 mins: The Netherlands are looking to be pretty content with their position and have given Van de Donk and Casparij a breather. The Dutch play England in their next game and this certainly gives the 2017 champions some breathing space ahead of facing the holders.
GOAL! Wales 0-3 Netherlands (BRUGTS 57')
18:20 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd it’s 3-0! Just after the Netherlands hit the bar for the third time in this match, Esmee Brugts pops up at the back post to finish low into the net. A lovely finish from the Barcelona wing-back and you worry now for Wales.
Wales 0-2 Netherlands
18:14 , Jamie Braidwood52 mins: OOOF off the post again! Roord, for the second time in this match, hits the woodwork. Miedema released her with a wonderful spin and pass through. Roord looked to lift it over Clark, but clips the bar!
Wales are hanging on...
GOAL! Wales 0-2 Netherlands (PELOVA 48')
18:11 , Jamie BraidwoodA goal right before half-time, and a goal straight after the restart! The Netherlands double their lead. A long ball forward to Danielle van de Donk beats the Wales defence and the midfielder picks out Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova, who beats the goalkeeper Evans. Some breathing space for Netherlands.
HALF TIME: Wales 0-1 Netherlands
18:05 , Jamie BraidwoodWales had actually managed to keep Miedema pretty quiet that half, limiting the Netherlands captain to 12 touches. But wow, was that 12th touch something special.
HALF TIME! Wales 0-1 Netherlands
17:54 , Jamie BraidwoodA proper gut-punch from Miedema right before half-time. Her strike was one of the last touches of the first half, where Wales had done really well to frustrate Netherlands and limit them to a few chances. But Miedema produced something special to unlock the door.
GOOOOOOAL! Wales 0-1 Netherlands (MIEDEMA 45+2)
17:51 , Jamie BraidwoodWOOOOW! What a way to bring up the 100! Miedema bends in a stunning shot from the angle of the box, finding the top corner with a vicious, bending strike! She becomes the first Netherlands player, male or female, to reach 100 goals for her country!
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:50 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: Into three minutes of stoppage time. Wales clear what was the Netherlands’ first corner of the match, then James nips in well to beat Miedema to the ball...
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:46 , Jamie Braidwood43 mins: Wales with a bit of sustained pressure at the end of the half, and they win another corner after Green’s shot from distance is blocked wide by Brugts.
Holland’s first corner is cleared at the front post, then it breaks to Woodham but she can’t keep her shot down from inside the box!
Still, that raises the belief for Wales by another level. And they’re very close to making it to halftime level.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:40 , Jamie Braidwood36 mins: Holland does ever so well to win a corner down the right and it fives Wales the chance to send some red shirts forward into the box. The cross, though, is cleared by the Netherlands at the front of the six-yard box.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:38 , Jamie Braidwood34 mins: OFF THE POST! Wow, what a goal this would have been from Jill Roord! She takes down a knockdown and cracks a vicious half-volley from 25 yards that swerves at the last moment and crashes into the post! So unlucky!
But Wales survive!
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:32 , Jamie Braidwood29 mins: Sigh of relief for Wales as Casparij takes off on the overlap but her ball across goal evades Miedema, who was waiting for the touch. Then, there’s the break at the other end for Wales but Brugts recovers well as Holland looked to burst away.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:30 , Jamie Braidwood26 mins; Another opportunity for Wales to stall the game as we reach the first cooling break. Temperatures are slightly cooler than they were at the start of the tournament, but they are still in the high 20s.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:27 , Jamie Braidwood23 mins: The stats show Netherlands have had 75 per cent of the possession at the midway point of the first half, while the Dutch fans behind Clark’s goal are starting to jeer and whistle with the time-wasting they believe is happening already in this game. There’s a booking for Woodham as she wastes more time over a throw-in.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:23 , Jamie Braidwood19 mins: The referee calls captain James over for a chat after suggesting, I think, that Clark is already on her last warning for time-wasting. Still, Wales have indeed managed to break a chunk off of the game.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:20 , Jamie Braidwood15 mins: More signs of danger for Wales as Miedema turns into the box but her shot is blocked. The defending from Wales is suddenly a bit more desperate as Roberts fails to clear the pass to Roord. There’s an excellent block in there from Ladd and James.
The Wales goalkeeper Clark requires some treatment, which comes at a ideal time for Wales just to break the game up a bit. Quite convenient that...
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:15 , Jamie Braidwood11 mins: A chance for Wales to break as Fishlock pinches the ball from Kaptein, but Holland’s cross towards Cain is overhit. But that burst forward has lifted the Welsh sprits and lifted the noise from the pack of red shirts in the stands.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:12 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins: The pitch-side mics pick up Wilkinson barking instructions at her players. Wales looking pretty solid so far. Miedema is squeezed out of play after a heavy touch in the box.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:08 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins: CLOSE! First moment of danger for Wales but they survive. Clark saves the first effort from Jill Roord, but can’t clear completely. Clark dives in on the goalline and wins the foul as the Netherlands looked to scramble in.
There’s a check for a handball on Ladd as well but she gets away with it.
Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:06 , Jamie Braidwood3mins: Netherlands with some early control of the ball but no chances yet. The Wales players will still be buzzing after that special national anthem before kick-off.
KICK-OFF! Wales 0-0 Netherlands
17:04 , Jamie BraidwoodUnderway in Lucerne as Wales make history at Euro 2025! They will be underdogs against this Netherlands team, but they are embracing that status and they believe they can upset the odds at Euro 2025.
Wales v Netherlands
17:02 , Jamie BraidwoodBefore kick-off there will be a moment of silence for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, as there has been since the Portugal forward’s tragic death in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Wales v Netherlands
16:58 , Jamie BraidwoodAh that was special. Jess Fishlock clearly one of the more emotional players as Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau rings out across the stadium. And there are tears in the stands!
Kick-off is next.
Wales v Netherlands
16:55 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go! It’s the biggest game of many of these players’ lives, as Wales make their debuts at a major women’s tournament against the Netherlands. The sound of the national anthem and the sight of the Welsh flag flying above the stadium in Lucerne will be a special moment.
Reason for optimism? Wales form ahead of Euros
16:50 , Jamie BraidwoodWales may have been relegated from their Nations League group without winning any of their six games against Sweden, Italy and Denmark, but the majority of the matches were close and there is a blueprint there to potentially cause an upset or two in a heavyweight Group D at Euro 2025.
Only Wales’ most recent competitive fixture against an impressive Italy was a one-sided scoreline, with Wales losing 4-1 at home last month. Wales drew two games against a Sweden team who will be expected to reach the reach the quater-finals of the Euros.
How Wales claimed historic Euros place
16:35 , Jamie BraidwoodWales created history in December when they beat the Republic of Ireland 3-2 on aggregate to qualify for a major women’s tournament for the first time.
After a 1-1 draw in Cardiff, Wales beat the Irish in Dublin with goals from Hannah Cain and Carrie Jones.
After Ireland pulled one back late on, Wales survived a frantic onslaught in added time to secure victory and qualify for the tournament, sparking wild scenes.
'This is a moment in Welsh history'
16:20 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Netherlands are ranked 11th in the world - 19 places higher than Wales - and possess both rich tournament pedigree, having won the Euros in 2017, and top players such as Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema.
Rhian Wilkinson said: "They are a top team, very fluid, and have some of the biggest stars in the game.
"They're really an enjoyable team to watch and I'm looking forward to challenging my team against them. We know we've got to be sharp and key moments count.
"Success for us is that the team shows up, is confident and just plays. That will be critical to Wales' success in this tournament.
"Opening day nerves are normal, excitement is normal, and this team is handling it like seasoned pros.
"There's definitely an understanding this is a moment in Welsh history. Don't let it get too big, let it all in, and be there for that moment.”
Wales coach Rhian Wilkinson and midfielder Angharad James celebrated their country's first ever press conference at a women's major tournament at Euro 2025.
Wales press officer Owain Harries informed assembled journalists of the premiere and was rewarded by a round of applause and cheers. Wilkinson and James laughed and clapped, while Wilkinson did a little dance in her seat before the questions started.
"This is it," said Wilkinson, a former Canada player and assistant coach. "I can't wait for the bus to arrive, to watch these women walk out onto the field, to see where they're going to get, to step on and make history."
Wales v Netherlands: Team news and line-ups
15:52 , Jamie BraidwoodVivianne Miedema starts and captains the Netherlands, and the striker is just one goal away from her 100th for the Oranje.
Netherlands XI: Van Domselaar; Casparij, Janssen, Buurman, Brugts; Kaptein, Groenen, Van de Donk; Pelova, Miedema, Roord
Wales v Netherlands: Team news and line-ups
15:48 , Jamie BraidwoodHere it is! The historic Wales team that will start their first ever match at a major women’s tournament against the Netherlands.
Wales XI: Clark; Green, Roberts, Evans, Woodham; James, Fishlock, Ladd; Holland, Cain, Morgan
'It's been a very long journey to Euro 2025'
15:45 , Jamie BraidwoodWales know they will be up against it when they take on a tough Dutch team in Lucerne but, no matter how the game goes, the squad will still see their participation as a great success for Welsh football.
"I think for me personally it's been a very long journey, and for most of the group too. It's been something that we've always strived to achieve and we've always come up short but not anymore we're here," captain Angharad James said.
"To see the Welsh flag and to see Wales being on the biggest stage of all is truly something that I didn't know if I'd be able to experience personally, and to be here today is an honour," she added.
'It's a privilege to be the underdogs': Wales captain Angharad James
15:30 , Jamie BraidwoodWales know that little is expected of them when they take on 2017 champions Netherlands in their opening Women's Euro Group D game, but they sent a defiant message to anyone prepared to underestimate them as they make their tournament debut.
The Welsh were handed one of the toughest draws possible when they were grouped with reigning champions England, France and the Dutch, but after qualifying for the tournament they are not just in Switzerland to make up the numbers.
Canadian-born coach Rhian Wilkinson, whose mother hailed from Wales, brought in her long-time Canada international teammate Diane Matheson to talk to her players on Thursday, and the rallying cry had the desired effect.
"Diana said it last night - it's a privilege to be the underdogs and that's the attitude we're going in with. Underestimate us all you want but we know that we're ready for the fight, we're ready for each game and we're ready to be here, be present and take on each team as it comes," Wales captain Angharad James said.
"This team is ready, fit and excited"
15:15 , Jamie Braidwood"This is the first generation of Welsh player that is completely professionalised,” Rhian Wilkinson said.
"That is something that changes the game at home in Wales, and that's what I'm excited about. This team gets to be the face of a watershed moment back home.
"To be able to stand next to them when they do that is one of the honours of my career. This team is ready, fit and excited."
Wales ready for 'watershed moment' says head coach Rhian Wilkinson
15:05 , Jamie BraidwoodRhian Wilkinson has declared that Wales are ready for their "watershed moment" on a first major tournament stage at Euro 2025.
While few expect Wales to progress from a daunting group that also includes reigning champions England and France, Wilkinson - the 181-times capped Canadian international of Welsh heritage - says the game has changed in the country forever.
"This is a wonderful team, great people, fantastic footballers, and we're going to be tested against some of the best in the world," Wilkinson said at her pre-match press conference.
"That's what we've been wanting. To showcase Wales as a country, this team and their talent.”
What is the team news?
15:02 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer Wales captain Sophie Ingle has been named in the squad and is fully fit, but has not played in over a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury so her possible role is unknown. Wales have no other injury concerns but defender Mayzee Davies was ruled out before the tournament.
Forward Lineth Beerensteyn is a doubt for the Netherlands but Vivianne Miedema is fit to feature and is a goal away from reaching a century for the Netherlands.
How to watch Wales v Netherlands
15:01 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen is Wales v Netherlands?
The match will kick off at 5pm BST on Saturday 5 July
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and S4C, with coverage starting from 4:15pm.
Good afternoon
15:00 , Jamie BraidwoodWales make their major tournament debuts as they take on Netherlands at Euro 2025. The Welsh are the lowest-ranked team at the Euros and have been drawn in a heavyweight group alongside holders England, 2017 champions Netherlands and France.
But Wales are determined to embrace the occasion and inspire a generation back home when they play the Netherlands in Lucerne. “This is what we've been wanting,” head coach Rhian Wilkinson said. “To showcase Wales as a country, this team and their talent.”
Former captain Sophie Ingle has been named in the Wales squad despite not playing a competitive match in over a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury while Netherlands have a number of star players including striker Vivianne Miedema.
"They are a top team, very fluid, and have some of the biggest stars in the game,” Wilkinson said. "They're really an enjoyable team to watch and I'm looking forward to challenging my team against them.”
