Van de Donk shines in England, Slegers in trouble

One day before the first round of the World Cup qualification play‑offs in Zeist, several Dutch internationals showed their form in European competitions. In England, Daniëlle van de Donk made a crucial contribution to the London City Lionesses' 6‑1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with one goal and two assists.

Victoria Pelova also scored and Caitlin Dijkstra started for the Spurs. For the Lionesses, debutant Isa Kardinaal played the full match centrally at the back. Tottenham goalkeeper Lize Kop was beaten six times and will probably become the first female goalkeeper for the Dutch national team, now that Daphne van Domselaar is injured.

Slegers' mixed results

As a substitute, Kirsten Casparij needed only one minute to level Manchester City against Arsenal, coach Renée Slegers. City eventually won 4‑2, leaving Slegers with only one win out of five matches in the league.

Wieke Kaptein provided an assist for Chelsea, where Veerle Buurman also started, and thus helped the 3‑0 win over West Ham United. Marisa Olislagers, as a substitute for Brighton, gave an assist in the comfortable 5‑1 victory over Charlton Athletic.

Ella Peddemors scored the only goal for Wolfsburg in the tight 2‑1 win over Hamburger SV, often shortened to Ham. In Spain, FC Barcelona dominated Real Madrid with a 5‑0 halftime score, thanks to the starting Renee van Asten and Emsee Brugts.

Dutch national team coach Arjan Veurink will evaluate his players' contributions with a positive outlook before the squad heads into the play‑offs in Zeist. The recent form of the international players offers hope for a strong start to the qualification.