This article is part of the Guardian’s Women’s World Cup 2023 Experts’ Network, a collaboration between some of the top media organizations from the 32 qualified countries. theguardian.com is featuring previews from two countries each day leading up to the tournament on 20 July.
Overview
After the disappointment of Euro 2022 under Mark Parsons, Andries Jonker has revitalized the Dutch national team. The Orange Lionesses are once again displaying the qualities of Sarina Wiegman’s golden generation, who achieved European Championship gold in 2017 and silver at the World Cup two years later. Unlike Parsons, who initially only worked part-time in the Netherlands due to club commitments in Portland, Jonker fully dedicated himself to the team from the start. He also made an effort to connect with his players, visiting each one personally, including those playing abroad.
The result of Jonker’s efforts has been a highly fit squad, with the exception of star player Vivianne Miedema, who suffered a knee injury before the winter break. Despite her absence, Miedema has remained involved as a sounding board for Jonker, with regular phone contact leading up to the World Cup. This level of commitment has fostered a close-knit team dynamic.
The Netherlands team will be sporting a new kit for the World Cup.
Although Jonker intends to keep his playing style and starting line-up under wraps for as long as possible, he provided a glimpse during a practice match against Belgium in July. The traditional 4-3-3 formation that the Netherlands is known for has been modified, with young wing-backs Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts providing support to the more experienced players in the center. This season marks their first time playing in defensive positions. The agile duo of Lineth Beerensteyn and Lieke Martens have a free role up front, with Jill Roord providing support.
While Jonker prefers a 5-3-2 formation, he can easily switch to the familiar 4-3-3 if needed. His strategy involves pressuring the opposition by pushing the defense higher up the field. The team’s motto is to immediately switch to full pressing mode when losing possession.
The Coach
Andries Jonker is known for his passion for football. Although he was not a star player himself, he has worked with prestigious clubs throughout his career. As a coach, he has served at the Dutch federation (KNVB), as an assistant under Louis van Gaal at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and in various roles at clubs such as FC Volendam, MVV, Willem II, and Wolfsburg. He also spent three years as the academy director at Arsenal. Jonker took over as the national team coach in 2022, following the European Championship in England. He previously served as the interim coach for the women’s national team in 2001. His clarity and expertise have earned praise from his players, who view the Mark Parsons era (2021-2022) as a lost year.
Star Player
Jill Roord takes on the German defense during a friendly in April.
Jill Roord is the standout player for the Dutch team in the absence of the injured Vivianne Miedema. The daughter of former professional footballer René Roord, she possesses impressive technique and is ambidextrous. Her ability to pass the ball sets her apart from other midfielders. She also maintains an impressive goal-scoring record, with 21 goals in 86 international appearances as of now.
After a strong season with Wolfsburg in the Frauen-Bundesliga and the Champions League, Roord unfortunately had limited impact in the final against Barcelona, who emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. Barcelona had previously attempted to sign Roord in 2022, but their efforts were unsuccessful. However, Roord will be making a move this summer, joining Manchester City for a fresh challenge following the World Cup.
Rising Star
Esmee Brugts is the promising young talent in Dutch football. The 19-year-old winger showcases remarkable dribbling skills and street smarts on the field. Brugts spent a significant portion of her early football career playing in boys’ teams for FC Binnenmaas near Rotterdam before joining PSV Eindhoven. Despite being initially frightened when told she would be playing as a wing-back in Jonker’s 5-3-2 system, Brugts quickly adapted and realized she still had the freedom to attack. Additionally, she has the opportunity to play alongside her idol Lieke Martens on the left flank. Brugts recently completed her time at PSV Eindhoven and is now looking forward to playing abroad.
Women’s football has gained immense popularity in the Netherlands. With a population of 17 million, the country boasts one million registered players with the Dutch federation, and nearly 20% (180,000) of those are female players. The growth of women’s football has been significant, with figures doubling compared to a decade ago. Registration with the KNVB is possible from the age of six, and training with registered coaches at local clubs can begin as early as four years old. The registered female players are spread across 1,862 clubs in the Netherlands. The popularity of football is also reflected in TV viewership, with an average of 2.7 million viewers tuning in to watch the Netherlands women’s team in either the World Cup or the European Championship. The official women’s team was established by the KNVB in 1971.
Did You Know?
One of the Netherlands’ recent warm-up matches before the World Cup was against a men’s under-18 team at the KNVB headquarters. The game was played behind closed doors to avoid potential negative publicity if journalists witnessed the national women’s team losing to teenage boys. There was no need for concern, as the women emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.
Realistic Aim at the World Cup?
The Dutch team has shown steady improvement in friendly matches, and despite a 1-0 loss to Germany, they displayed strong performance. If the Netherlands can maintain or surpass this form, they are considered serious contenders to win the World Cup, particularly as Jonker’s emphasis on fitness has yielded positive results. During the Euros in England, Jonker observed that the Dutch team appeared physically inferior compared to top teams like England, Germany, France, and Spain. This has driven an obsession with fitness within the team.
Written by Steven Kooijman for De Telegraaf.
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