Dutch Make Dominant Start
Netherlands entertained Austria who gave them the gift of a second-minute own-goal, as Liverpool’s Shanice van de Sanden hit a powerful low ball into the six-yard box and Virginia Kirchberger could only turn it into her own net.
New Arsenal signing, Vivianne Miedema, then doubled the lead just moments later, from a cross by Lieke Martens.
The favour was returned 8 minutes before the interval, as the same pair played a one-two and 20 year-old Miedema marked her 50th cap with her 39th goal, firing across the keeper into the top corner.
Red Flames Foil Japan
More than 3.000 fans were in Leuven to see Belgium take on Japan, with the game finishing 1-1 after two goals in the space of 3 second-half minutes.
Yuilka Sugasawa broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, when a free-kick was allowed to reach her on the corner of the six-yard box and she swivelled to shoot home.
Elke Van Gorp soon replied for the home side, nodding into the bottom corner off a fine cross from the right wing.
Marta Makes The Difference
Iceland went down to the only goal of the game at Laugardalsvelli in Reykjavik, watched by an attendance of 7,521.
Brazil’s Marta made the decisive intervention midway through the second period, shooting through the keeper’s legs after being played in on goal by Andressinha.
Swedes Leave It Late Against Scots
Scotland frustrated Sweden and their 4,600+ fans for much of the game in Vaxjo.
But the hosts finally made the breakthrough, as Caroline Seger headed home with 7 minutes remaining.
To read the full report, click here.
Forthcoming Fixtures
- 30 June: Spain v Belgium (San Pedro del Pinatar)
- 1 July: Denmark v England (Copenhagen)
- 4 July: Germany v Brazil (Sandhausen)
- 6 July: Austria v Denmark (Wiener Neustadt), Scotland v Republic of Ireland (Raith Rovers FC)
- 7 July: France v Belgium (Montpelier)
- 8 July: Sweden v Mexico (Falkenberg), Netherlands v Wales (Sparta Rotterdam)
- 11 July: Belgium v Russia (Denderleeuv), France v Norway (Sedan)
Photo – @oranjevrouwen
