A very subjective look into AWFC

This was such an interesting match and it provided us with so many story lines, it’s to pick which one to follow, so I’ll do my best to let it flow and write as things come to mind, if that’s ok with you, thank you very much.

As I had stated yesterday, my first and main concern is the health of DVD aka my favorite player ever. I haven’t heard any updates on her and I was absolutely heartbroken and worried when she limped off in tears. That f*cks me up, hard and I don’t like it.

Obviously as a Dutch fan I have lots of points that I would like to talk about. Among them is the fact that I don’t understand why on earth we don’t play actual, natural defenders as fullbacks. Like I get Esme and Pelova being able to play there but they are NOT defenders. So, yes they have done great things and I’m not criticizing that at all, my point is that we need better DEFENDING, so for those thinking I have an anti-pelova agenda: not better defenders, I’m saying better defending. So how do you achieve that? maybe, just maybe, by playing actual defenders that play there week in and week out.

In my opinion when Pelova and Esme release the ball quickly it’s when they are their best. And in defense they seem, to me, to take way too many touches and they play in a bit of a naive and “young” way that I don’t think its suitable for these types of matches but what the hell do I know?

I’m proud of them both, they work so hard and they aren’t at fault for the result at all, make no mistake, that’s not something I’m remotely thinking about. I just enjoy having Merel and Casparij much more. Sorry not sorry.

I think Pelova has a huge role to play if DVD is out on Tuesday. Not that I think she can play the same position or do the same thing but at Arsenal she has been playing better than ever and I expect her to do much better in the middle of the park, since she’s just more used to that and has the bite and tenacity needed. She doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone and she needs to feel free and not be “the next” anybody. She is more than capable of being herself and excelling.

I still have confidence we will go through… I mean, we better! I cannot imagine this squad NOT being in the Olympics and with destiny being in our own hands, that is obviously a great place to be. Of course the weird rules and permutations make for an interesting narrative regarding England vs Scotland but that’s a whole different thing.

Speaking of different, England were a different side the second Beth and Alessia went in. A totally different side that basically shifted something in the strategy and mentality of England, and quite possibly of The Netherlands too.

The way they play, their hustle, their pressing, their positivity on the ball it’s just remarkable and it was a beautifully painful thing to watch. I much rather have them play for my team than against it.

Overall, even though this was a loss, the first half was fantastic and it was great to see Sherida and Jackie play well, Dom boss it and Jill do what Jill does… of course Lieke was on fire and Lineth… TAKE A BOW.

I have not felt less confident at all and I’m expecting us to qualify Tuesday.

yes I said: “us”

I feel Viv has a part to play. A big one yet.

d ❤

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