Yeah, that’s fair. On rewatch, she actually struggled quite a bit early on vs the US, but I thought she ended up having a good match there. She definitely wasn’t good vs Spain. I just added the qualifier because I thought it may seem weird to not have your top scorer in the “great” group.
Every team needs a midfielder who can put the ball in the net. That is Roord. She can score. DVD can score a bit, Groenen not so much (except for Sweden, WC 2019 Semi). Does Roord run the field and harass opponents like Gronen and DVD? No, she doesn't--few do. I do like the way she can change the field of attack with a left-footed pass, however. I'd like to see Jonker drop the 3-back. Spitse survived the WC--but got exposed by Spain in the first half (as did others) and somehow escaped the peril posed by the underachieving U.S. She needs to become a bench player/coach in training. Janssen and/or Pelova can take over her (formidably) free-kick duties. Janssen actually takes free kicks for Wolfsburg--and is good at it. Instead, play a 4-4-2, with Wilms and Casparij as outside backs. Wilms is a solid player and has started a lot for Wolfsburg as an outside back; Casparij has loads of potential. A four-man midfield of DVD, Groenen, Roord and Pelova, with Brughts and Miedema up front. Janssen and either Dijkstra or Nouwen at centerback---Dijkstra with more athleticism than Nouwen but, like Casparij, needs seasoning over the next year plus. That could be a /very/ strong lineup, IMO--and a good keeper as well.
Van de Donk can score when it’s not a major international tournament. Her two goals have been a howler from Fara Williams and a tap in rebound vs Vietnam. So, both she and Groenen majorly contribute to goals and team play in other ways. A midfield diamond or two wide players?
I think Jonker has definitely improved the team, and I’m content with him as the manager. However, I’m a little confused by fans talking about how disappointing the Euros were and how this World Cup was much better. First, let’s look at the matches that knocked out the Dutch in the two tournaments. Dominated in the first half and lucky not to be down by at least two goals? Yes. Adjusted the setup to defend much better and have better control during the rest of the match? Also yes. Conceded a sloppy PK? Yes. Now, the Dutch were harshly denied a PK vs Spain and actually ended up creating quality chances; so, that was an improvement vs the match against France. However, there were some positive moments vs France, and I’m still annoyed that neither Roord nor Miedema made the run that could/would have given them a great chance off Groenen’s cutback. What allowed the Dutch to progress an extra round at the World Cup vs the Euros was finishing first in their group. If they had finished first at the Euros, they surely would have gotten to the semis as Belgium were not particularly good despite Evrard’s heroics. With poor individual defending and Groenen missing vs Portugal and then Sweden taking full advantage of Portugal’s inability to defend dead ball situations, I don’t blame Parsons much at all there. What was ultimately a big difference in the end was that Roord miss/Eriksson tackle following Groenen’s ridiculous Zidane turn and pass and Miedema’s quality through ball. If the Dutch had scored there, I think they would have likely held on to a win and ultimately first in the group. Again, Jonker’s obviously been great for the team. I just don’t think there’s as big of a difference (still a difference though) between this World Cup and the Euros as a lot of fans seem to think.
I'm just a fan--duh--not a coach, but what I like about the 4-4-2 for the Dutch is that it immediately makes the team considerably stronger defensively--and maybe offensively as well. While Jonker's 3-back system worked well, by and large, having Pelova and Spitse on the right was an obvious defensive weakness. The 4-4-2 benches Spitse--which has to happen now--and so you only have to replace one CB, not two. That's a benefit. You hope that both Nouen and Dikistra raise their games, of course-- that one of them seizes the position. Finding the new CB starter is obviously job one now for Jonker. Beyond that, you've added two outside backs in Wilms and Casparij who are young ,who ought to be solid defensively and who can contribute in attack. You combine those two with two defensive-minded mids plus the two CBs and that should be a pretty stout defense. It then allows you to play Pelova in the midfield--where she can best utilize her attacking and on-balls skills and not be relied on heavily for defense. That's a plus. AND, it moves Brugt forward with the same benefit--less defensive responsibility. I also think matching Brugt's skill set with Miedema's (good passer, reads the game well, excellent finisher) offers tantalizing possibilities, especially in combination with Pelova/Roord, etc. I'm no expert, but I see a lot off potential balance in such a setup--improved defense (with Casparij's added athleticism and pace) and a packed midfield--both of which might better cope with a team like Spain. I don't pretend to know whether a midfield diamond or two wide would be best---I leave it to the coaches! But, man, I do see nice possibilities in the 4-4-2. I've mostly seen Pelova operating wide the last 2+ years, but she is strong on the ball and creative, and could be good up front in a diamond as well, I think--maybe better than Roord. However, I realize my 4-4-2 scenario has a problem---I left out Martens! I think of her now as mostly an attacking midfielder--seems the best use of her wonderful ball skills at this stage of her career, yes? and we saw her operate effectively in that role in a game or two. But Martens would then give the Dutch 5 midfielders--3 of them attackers--and so at least one of the attackers would have to start on the bench--either Roord or Martens, IMO, bringing the one who doesn't start off the bench in the second half. I play/start Pelova for her ball skills and creativity--and also because with her low center of gravity and sturdy build, she is better equipped for physical play-- to make challenges and win balls--than either Roord or Martens. That's my pitch for the 4-4-2! What are the weaknesses or problems with it, besides the fact of having a new CB who won't be at Van der Gragt's level? But that will be the case with any formation that Jonker chooses. How does it compare to the 3-back system we've just seen? Keep the 3-back and you must replace 2 CBs, and you've still potentially got defensive issues on the right. You'd be keeping Brugt as a wingback and then you'd have either Pelova or Casparij as wingback on the other side; if the latter, you've got to find a place for Pelova, maybe. Play her and sit Roord? Play Roord and sit her? Up front you keep Martens and replace Beerensteyn with Miedema--an upgrade.
I watched the U-19 Euro semifinal where the Dutch lost to Spain 1-0. Dutch defended very well and there are some good defenders working their way up. Ajax had a friendly against Paris FC last week and I gave it watch to see how Isa Kardinaal is doing. She was mostly a sub in the Euros and she was play left CB for Ajax (she's pretty much a two footed player who came in on both the left and right sides in the Euros). It would really help if Ajax can qualify for the Champions League The playoffs are convoluted and Ajax have a bye into the semifinal group they are in and will play a single elimination game in Moldova in early September against either a Belarus or Moldovan team. If they win that match there is a two leg play off in October. Twente host their group, taking on Sturm Graz in the first match. Levante and Stajarnan (Iceland) are in the 2nd match with winners to play to see who go on to the playoffs. A lot riding on a single match.
I tried to make sense of what I read about the WCL, but they make it quite complicated for my old brains Hope the Ajax ladies can get a ticket and soak up, with the FC Twente ladies, alot of international experience.
Extensive article, describing how Sarina Wiegmans became who she now is: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62016998 Who is Sarina Wiegman: England v Spain World Cup final - the mastermind behind the Lionesses' success By Katie WrightBBC Sport
They missed a PK that could have tied it, right? I recall seeing that Spain’s GK was very critical to the team’s success.
In the Dutch footy show Studio Voetbal's poll whether Wiegmans should succeed Koeman as the Orange Squad coach, 73% said yes.
Yes, that is what ESPN Soccer is reporting. What is amazing is she is leaving on a free transfer and PSV get NADA €
I think Groenen played for Frankfurt before joining ManU, if I remember correctly. After leaving she mentioned that the situation there was not very good. Perhaps it's improved in the years since....
Yes, she did. They’re now affiliated with the men’s team, and they placed in the Frauen Bundesliga’s top three for the second consecutive season. So, it seems like the situation has definitely improved. Losing Nusken to Chelsea is a bit of a blow though.
Groenen and Martens probably thought they were still at the World Cup today vs AC Milan. 3-5-2 setup with Groenen as the DM and Martens part of the front two.
No, not really. She didn't mark anyone in particular, and she didn't commit a single foul. AC Milan were definitely better than Vietnam, but today's match was pretty similar to the Vietnam match for Groenen.
First game back for those two. Came into training last Sunday. PSG will alternate between 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 this season. That's what Precheur told us in the mixed zone.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2488931-beke...fdprijs-in-super-cup-tegen-landskampioen-ajax NOS Football• yesterday, 16:11 Cup winner Twente takes first grand prize in Super Cup against Dutch champion Ajax Twente won with 5-2. FC Twente are nurturing a new generation with Kaptein (18) and Oude Elberink (17)!
https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/6279461/d...talent-tekent-voor-vier-jaar-bij-chelsea.html Wieke has signed a 4 years contract with Chelsea, but will be loaned to FC Twente, so she can finish her school. Transfer sum undisclosed.
Liz Rijsbergen scoes the 1-0 aganst Sturm Graz, the final score 6-0! Next opponent Levante UD. FC Twente Vrouwen - Sturm Graz 6-0 (4-0) Rijsbergen 1-0 en 2-0, Jansen 3-0, Te Brake 4-0, Vliek 5-0, Kroese 6-0. FC Twente: De Jong, Everaerts (63. Kerkdijk), Auée, Dijkstra, Olislagers, Van Ginkel, Te Brake (72. Boshuizen), Kaptein, Vliek (72. Oude Elberink), Jansen (63. Kroese), Rijsbergen (63. Diekman). https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetba...ichting-groepsfase-champions-league~aa5f0b7d/
The Orange Lionesses play in the Nations League against England, Scotland and Belgium. To qualify for the Olympic Games*), the Orange Lionesses have to win the group. Coach Jonker has said it's weird both England and Scotland are in our pool while they go to the Olympics as one nation. They should have been put in another pool. *) Jonker at first had the opinion the Games are a bit too much and didnot want to put much into it, but the Orange Lionesses made clear they're eager to go there, so he changed his mind and goes full trottle for it. 27494
Jonker wanted to play the NL match against England in the "Kuip", but for some reason it wasnot feasible financially. ???