Women’s Euro 2022: Daniëlle van de Donk’s stunning winner snatches victory for the Netherlands


“I almost never score goals like [my winner]’ said van de Donk, according to UEFA.com.

“I usually only get tap-ins. I know where the ball is going and I type it in. I don’t know what happened with this one!”

It was a thrilling game in which Portugal – the second-lowest team in the tournament – made a two-goal comeback to level matters but were eventually outclassed by the defending champions.

The Netherlands’ preparation had been disrupted by injuries and Covid, which saw four of their best players missing, including captain Sari van Veenendaal and all-time top scorer Vivianne Miedema.

Portugal almost immediately took advantage of the Dutch misfortune but an early try was ruled out for offside.

Two minutes later, however, the Netherlands found their rhythm with two corners in quick succession from Sherida Spitse. The second time, a header from Damaris Egurrola landed in the goal and opened the scoring.

As in the game against Switzerland on Saturday, Portugal conceded another early goal less than 10 minutes later.

Spitse delivered another perfectly executed corner and although Portugal initially fended off the Dutch attack, a goal seemed inevitable as the ball bounced around the box before Stefanie van der Gragt finally headed the ball into the net to double the lead.

Despite being two goals behind, the Iberians started to create chances.

A promising attack was only stopped by a Dutch foul and Carole Costa converted the resulting penalty to get her side back in the game with 10 minutes remaining.

Portugal continued their comeback and started the second half with determination.

A brilliant save from Dutch goalkeeper Daphne von Domselaar tipped the ball over the bar, but the Portuguese attack pressed on undeterred and created another opportunity a minute later, which Diana Silva completed with a header.

Portugal leveled two goals down, and it took van de Donk’s unrivaled goal to put the reigning champions back in front.

“We came with courage and ambition and that was our goal for this game and we knew who we were up against,” said Portugal coach Francisco Neto, according to UEFA.com.

“There were times when we weren’t as organized as we should have been and again some small details made all the difference. But my team showed an attitude, a determination that makes me so proud of what they have accomplished.”

The Netherlands are now close to a quarter-final spot at the top of their group and have another group stage game against Switzerland on Sunday.