Miedema Hits Century as Dutch Dominate Wales on Euro Debut

Vivianne Miedema fired the first warning shot inside three minutes, and from that moment the Netherlands never loosened their grip on a humid evening in Cardiff. The prolific striker’s crisp left-foot finish not only opened the scoring in a 3-0 win but also catapulted her into the history books with a landmark 100th international goal.

Vivianne Miedema milestone sets the tone

Vivianne Miedema entered the Group A opener needing one more strike to reach her century, and she wasted little time. Capitalising on a loose clearance at the edge of the box, she swept the ball beyond Olivia Clark to silence a partisan Welsh crowd. The goal means Miedema joins an elite club of centurions in the women’s game, underlining her status as the spearhead of a Netherlands women side intent on reclaiming European supremacy.

Netherlands women control midfield and tempo

Coach Andries Jonker asked for quick ball circulation, and his players obliged. Danielle van de Donk and Jill Roord clogged the passing lanes, forcing turnovers that Wales women struggled to escape. By the half-hour mark, Dutch possession had surpassed 70 per cent. The second goal arrived when Lieke Martens, darting inside from the left, curled a sumptuous effort into the far corner. With Miedema constantly dropping deep to knit moves together, Wales were pinned in their own half.

Defensive resilience completes the Dutch display

While the spotlight rested on Vivianne Miedema in attack, centre-backs Stefanie van der Gragt and Dominique Janssen delivered a tutorial in game management. Wales’ lone forward, Jess Fishlock, found herself isolated, and the hosts ended the first half without a shot on target. Early in the second period, Shanice van de Sanden added a third after a slick triangle involving—who else—Miedema.

Wales women learn harsh lessons on Euros debut

Making their first appearance at a major tournament, Wales entered with optimism after an unbeaten qualifying run. Reality proved stark. Their back three could not cope with the angles created by Netherlands’ front line, and even midfield enforcer Angharad James found herself chasing shadows. Yet Gemma Grainger’s side showed glimpses of potential: teenager Carrie Jones twice broke the Dutch press, and substitute Lily Woodham rattled the bar late on.

What Vivianne Miedema’s century means for Euro 2025

Vivianne Miedema reaching 100 goals before turning 28 is a staggering feat. Only Christine Sinclair and Abby Wambach scaled the mountain so quickly. Beyond personal accolades, her sharpness after last season’s knee injury signals ominous news for the rest of the field. With upcoming fixtures against England and France, the Oranje Leeuwinnen now sit top of a daunting group courtesy of goal difference, and Miedema’s confidence could be the decisive edge.

Tactical breakdown: pressing triggers and overloads

Jonker’s 4-3-3 morphed into a 3-2-5 in possession, with full-back Esmee Brugts stepping into midfield and Miedema drifting between the lines. This created numerical superiority that Wales could not match. Off the ball, the Dutch triggered their press when the first Welsh pass went wide, trapping the hosts near the touchline. The tactic led directly to Martens’ goal and showcased the cerebral side of Miedema’s game as the first presser.

Key statistics

• Shots: Netherlands 18, Wales 4
• Possession: 68 % vs 32 %
• Vivianne Miedema touches in box: 9
• Passes completed in final third: Netherlands 114, Wales 38

Player reactions

“Scoring a hundred feels surreal, but the three points matter more,” Vivianne Miedema told Dutch television. Captain Sherida Spitse added, “When Vivi is smiling, the whole team shines.” Welsh skipper Sophie Ingle remained upbeat: “We’ll take the lessons and bounce back against France.”

What’s next?

The Netherlands women head to Newcastle for a high-stakes clash with England, while Wales women must regroup before facing France in Lyon. Victory for the Dutch could virtually seal quarter-final qualification; defeat for Wales would push them to the brink.

Opinion: A century that redefines expectations

Vivianne Miedema’s 100-goal milestone is not just a personal triumph—it reshapes the ceiling for modern forwards. Her blend of movement, finishing, and playmaking makes her as much creator as scorer, a dual threat few sides can contain. If she maintains this form, Euro 2025 may witness the coronation of a new Dutch golden era.