A very subjective look into AWFC

I’m telling you now, The Netherlands can win the whole thing. I believe it and not just because they are the team I support but because everything points to success, basically in every way I can imagine and everything I have seen and come to know. So on this Monday before the World Cup I will tell you why I think my dutchies have a shot.

The first thing that people say when it comes to our chances this year, and yes I said “our”, is that Viv is missing. Of course missing the best striker on planet earth is a huge loss but there are countless examples of emblematic players missing from a big tournament through injury and their team that we all felt depended on them, went on to win. Just take a look at Barca without Putellas for months and months. It’s still possible. People play differently, players will step up.

With that said, as far as our forward line I think this is the tournament where Lieke Martens lights up the world again. I don’t necessarily love PSG for her but she had a great season and is looking fit and hungry, seems like she’s put her head down and from interviews I’ve seen, she has a drive and determination that I have not seen before.

Daphne is a great keeper and you cannot win a World Cup without a stellar one. What she showed in the euro cup at such a young age was beyond impressive, so I’m looking forward to her being more mature and ideally have her moral boosted by signing for Villa and getting that life changing move to the WSL which I hope she uses and shines and becomes in 4 years time the best keeper in the world; not saying it will happen but the talent is there.

Dominique Janssen is not only among my favorite defenders on planet earth but one of the best to ever do it, full stop. Her poise, leadership and ability are unmatched, add to that her free kicks and penalty taking skills and you have a powerhouse. Next to her Van Der Gragt, a strong experienced defender, not the fastest I know, but absolutely love her brain and power.

The midfield!? Are you kidding me?? Regardless of the lineup and who plays to have DVD, Jackie and Damaris is incredible. Sherida will probably play and start, which I’m not too happy about but it is what it is. Any team with DVD is better, as she is the smartest football player on planet earth, just deal with that. lol. She’s my favorite ever and I cannot wait to see her play with freedom and that bite she has. Can’t wait, this is the whole point of the World Cup… so I can watch DVD wear the oranje shirt. But seriously, this midfield I think offers so much dynamism and impact, by far my favorite in the tournament.

Up top we have Lineth, Lieke, Jill and a few squad players that have so much potential. Brugts, Casparij, etc etc we are building quite a special future.

The squad looks so together and happy… we have Merel Van Dongen so how the hell can they not be happy?! I truly hope she gets some minutes…

So this is my dream lineup, not because I think it’s what we will do but I’d love to see this

Just a few more sleeps!!!

d ❤

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