Arsenal Ladies midfielder Danielle van de Donk starred in Holland’s opening game 1-0 victory over Norway in Utrecht.
The 25-year-old played 90 minutes before coming off in added time and was thrilled to get off to a winning start at the Euros as the host nation.
“This is amazing," she said. "I’m glad we won and have three points already but already looking to the next game.
“I was struggling a bit in the first half because I was a bit nervous. I lost my first two duels.
“Everyone in the stands were amazing they gave us such an amazing boost to keep going and work harder.
Van de Donk’s composure kept improving as the game went on. She was winning aerial battles and igniting many of the Dutch attacks, contributing to piling a lot of pressure on the Norwegian defence.
The hosts were a constant threat and in a lot of cases were unlucky in their chances- and the 25-year-old was delighted to see her side get the goal in the second half through Shanice van de Sanden’s outstanding header.
“It was an amazing goal. I was very happy, we had many opportunities before, I knew it was coming.
"It’s a very tough group so in the next game we have to give it our all again”.
[Courtesy of Conor Keane]
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