the coach of the Netherlands reveals the fault of the Blue
The English coach of the Netherlands women’s team, Mark Parsons, on Wednesday praised the qualities of France, his opponent in the quarter-finals of the Euro on Saturday, while stressing that there will be room to make a result, especially if its star Miedema, back from isolation, can play.
« France are a top team, with top players, very consistent in the way they play, » he said. « We met them in February and studied them for a possible quarter-final. »
“The threats are not lacking but there are also spaces (to be exploited). We saw it against Belgium and Iceland, ”continued the coach who was present in the stands to watch the draw of Corinne Deacon’s team against Iceland (1-1) on Monday.
However Mark Parsons must deplore the losses of his captain and goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal, injured in a shoulder, and of Lieke Martens, voted best player of Euro-2017, hit in one foot. Both are out of the remainder of the tournament.
In addition, the English technician had to manage the cases of Vivianne Miedema and Jackie Groenen, who tested positive for coronavirus.
The good news for the Oranje camp is the return from isolation, after contracting Covid-19, of Miedema, one of the best players in the world. The Arsenal striker (26) resumed training on Wednesday and should be able to line up against Les Bleues.
France beat the Netherlands 3-1 at the Tournoi de France in February. But Parsons hopes France’s resolutely attacking style could work in his side’s favour, especially if Miedema plays.
“Everyone decided that France was going to win this match, and we are here to help sell some tickets,” Parsons said with some irony, referring to the very many supporters of the Batavian defending champions present in England.
