Cymru’s women will step onto the grandest stage of European football this evening as they face 2017 champions the Netherlands in their opening match of Euro 2025.
After years of near-misses and hard-fought qualifying campaigns, Rhian Wilkinson’s side now find themselves among the continent’s elite, ready to test their credentials against one of Europe’s most seasoned outfits. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30pm local time in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Tonight marks a defining chapter in the history of Cymru’s women’s football – their very first appearance at a major international tournament.
“This is the moment we’ve dreamed about for years,” said Jess Fishlock, Cymru’s most-capped player. “We’ve broken through several ceilings – now we have to burst a big one.”
Underdogs with Spirit and Steel
Cymru enter the tournament as the lowest-ranked nation in the competition (30th), but their spirited run through qualification – including a gutsy 3–2 aggregate victory over the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs – proves they’ve not come to make up the numbers.
Wilkinson has shaped a team built on resilience, discipline and unity. The return of experienced midfielder Sophie Ingle from a serious knee injury is a welcome boost.
“She made me look foolish in training, and I was delighted to see it,” Wilkinson said. “She’s ready.”
Between the sticks, 23-year-old Olivia Clark is set to start. From serving customers at McDonald’s to standing tall in goal against some of Europe’s finest attackers, her journey has become a source of inspiration within the squad.
Dutch Danger Awaits
The Netherlands come into the tournament as strong favourites despite entering a transitional phase. Head coach Andries Jonker will step down after the finals, and the side has endured recent defensive fragilities.
Nevertheless, the Dutch are still packed with quality. Vivianne Miedema, returning from a lengthy injury spell, has shown glimpses of her old brilliance and is expected to spearhead their attack.
She’ll be flanked by dynamic forwards Lineth Beerensteyn and Esmee Brugts – both capable of causing chaos in the final third. Still, questions remain about their ability to keep things tight at the back.
The Group of Death
Cymru find themselves in what many have dubbed the “Group of Death”, with defending champions England and tournament regulars France completing Group D alongside the Netherlands.
Few outside the Cymru camp expect them to progress, but inside the squad, belief runs high.
“We know what people think,” said Ingle. “But that doesn’t change how we prepare. We’re here to compete.”
Tactics and Game Plan
Cymru are expected to adopt a compact, disciplined shape – likely sitting deep and looking to spring forward on the counter or from set-pieces. Wilkinson has drilled the team to stay organised and composed under pressure.
For the Netherlands, possession and penetration will be key. Jonker’s side like to dictate the tempo, but they must be wary of leaving themselves open to the counter.
Key Stats
- The Netherlands have won all four previous meetings with Cymru, most recently a 5–0 friendly victory in 2017.
- Cymru have scored just four goals in their last six competitive matches.
- The Dutch are heavy favourites with most bookmakers, who give Cymru just an 8% chance of pulling off an upset.
Expected Line-Ups
Cymru (4-2-3-1): Clark; Evans, Ladd, Roberts, Green; Ingle, James; Harding, Fishlock, Ward; Morgan
Netherlands (4-3-3): van Domselaar; Wilms, Janssen, van der Gragt, Jansen; Roord, Spitse, Groenen; Beerensteyn, Miedema, Brugts
Final Word
For Cymru, this evening is about far more than just the result. It’s about staking a claim on the European stage, proving that they belong, and inspiring a new generation of young girls across the country.
Victory may be a tall order, but don’t count out the heart and hunger of a side that’s already defied the odds.
Prediction: Netherlands 3 – 1 Cymru
Expect Cymru to battle hard and earn respect, even if the Dutch prove too strong on the night.
