Vivianne Miedema Hits Century, Leads Dutch to Euro Win

Vivianne Miedema wrote yet another golden chapter in her extraordinary career on Friday night, scoring her 100th international goal as the Netherlands eased past Wales 3-0 in their UEFA Euro 2025 opener in Lucerne.

Vivianne Miedema’s Historic Strike Sets The Tone

The Arsenal forward needed just 19 minutes to reach the century mark, ghosting between two Welsh centre-backs to meet Victoria Pelova’s lofted pass with a thunderous left-foot volley that fizzed beyond goalkeeper Olivia Clark. The stadium scoreboard barely had time to register the goal before Dutch teammates mobbed their talisman, while a sizeable Oranje contingent unfurled banners proclaiming “Miedema 100”. No Dutch player—male or female—had ever previously reached the landmark, cementing her status as the nation’s most prolific scorer.

How The Netherlands Dominated Wales

A vibrant opening spell from Andries Jonker’s side pinned Wales deep. After Miedema’s breakthrough, Danielle van de Donk doubled the advantage six minutes before the break with a curling effort from 20 yards. The Welsh resistance, brave yet brittle, finally cracked for good on 74 minutes when substitute Esmee Brugts pounced on a loose clearance to fire home the third.

Wales, competing at their first major tournament, carved out isolated moments of promise—most notably when Carrie Jones clipped the outside of the post—but the gulf in experience was ultimately decisive. Captain Sophie Ingle admitted afterwards that “facing Vivianne Miedema in this kind of form is a brutal introduction to elite tournament football.”

Century Milestone In Context

Miedema’s 100 goals have arrived in just 120 caps, a strike rate eclipsing legendary Dutch men’s scorer Robin van Persie (50 goals in 102 caps). Across women’s football, only a handful—Christine Sinclair, Abby Wambach and Marta among them—have reached triple figures faster. She made her senior debut aged 17 in 2013, hit 50 by 2018 and now, scarcely 28, becomes one of the youngest centurions the sport has seen.

What Makes Vivianne Miedema So Lethal?

Pundits often describe her as a “nine-and-a-half”: blessed with a finisher’s instinct yet equally adept dropping into pockets to dictate play. Against Wales she completed 27 of 29 passes, created three chances and attempted five shots—evidence of a forward who contributes far beyond the scoresheet. Her ability to drift wide, lure defenders out and then burst into space was a constant headache for Gemma Grainger’s back line.

Reaction From Inside The Dutch Camp

Coach Jonker called the feat “a milestone that belongs in Dutch sporting folklore,” adding that “Vivianne Miedema’s appetite for goals lifts the entire squad.” Captain Sherida Spitse, herself a veteran of 225 caps, joked: “I might have to start taking penalties again if I want to keep pace!”

Miedema remained typically understated: “I’m proud, of course, but it’s more important we started Euro 2025 with three points. Records are nice; trophies are better.”

Path Ahead In Euro 2025 Group Stage

The Netherlands top Group C on goal difference after Italy edged Portugal 1-0 in the day’s earlier match. Next up for the Oranje is a showdown with the Italians in Bern, where another win would virtually guarantee quarter-final qualification. Wales face a must-win clash against Portugal to keep their hopes alive.

Wales Can Take Heart Despite Defeat

For the Welsh, this tournament is a historic first step. Teenage forward Elise Hughes’s energetic pressing and Jess Fishlock’s midfield vision hinted at potential for future shocks. “We learned more in 90 minutes tonight than we might learn in 10 qualifiers,” Grainger reflected. “Facing Vivianne Miedema shows our players the standard we aspire to.”

The Club Perspective: Arsenal And The Road Back From Injury

Miedema’s milestone is all the sweeter given her arduous recovery from an ACL tear suffered in December 2022. Arsenal gradually reintroduced her last season, and she looked somewhere near her fluent best in spring’s Women’s Super League run-in. Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall tweeted congratulations, calling her “the game’s most complete striker.” With her contract set to expire next summer, speculation over a possible move to Manchester City or even Barcelona will only intensify after this latest reminder of her elite pedigree.

Breaking Down The Numbers

• 100 goals: 64 right foot, 32 left foot, 4 headers
• 15 tournament strikes (World Cups + Euros)
• 13 hat-tricks for the national team
• Average of 0.83 goals per game
• Goals scored in 18 different countries

Primary Focus Keyword Appears Again: Vivianne Miedema’s Legacy

Few athletes redefine what is possible for their nation, but Vivianne Miedema’s century does just that. Her 2017 Euro triumph on home soil inspired a new generation; Friday’s landmark underlines her longevity and evolution. By blending ruthless finishing with an ever-growing creative repertoire, she offers a template for the modern striker.

Global Reaction On Social Media

• Dennis Bergkamp: “Records exist to be broken, but some will stand for decades. Congratulations, Viv.”
• Megan Rapinoe: “Welcome to the 100 club, girl—elite territory!”
• Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte: “A proud night for the Netherlands. Oranje above all!”

Twitter and TikTok combined registered over three million interactions featuring #Miedema100 within two hours of full-time, underlining her worldwide resonance.

Historical Firsts Keep Coming

Miedema is also the first Dutch player to score in five consecutive major tournaments and the only one to record back-to-back 10-goal qualifying campaigns. With at least four more matches possible in Euro 2025, she could set new single-tournament scoring records.

Opinion: Why This Moment Matters

Records captivate, but context defines greatness. Miedema’s 100th goal arrived not in a testimonial atmosphere, but in a high-stakes European Championship match where her team needed leadership and incision. That combination—delivering history while driving results—elevates her beyond mere stat sheets. If the Netherlands lift the trophy next July, we may look back at this cool Lucerne evening as the spark that lit their path to glory.