The Netherlands are through to the last 16 of the women’s World Cup after their 3-1 victory over Cameroon in Valenciennes © AFP / Philippe HUGUEN
Valenciennes, France, Jun 15 – Vivianne Miedema became her country’s all-time record goal-scorer with a brace as the Netherlands saw off a spirited Cameroon 3-1 on Saturday to secure a place in the last 16 of the women’s World Cup.
Miedema’s goals came either side of a close-range Dominique Bloodworth strike for the European champions in Valenciennes, with Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene netting for Cameroon.
The Netherlands have won two out of two in Group E and their place in the knockout rounds is therefore secure before they take on Canada in Reims next week.
Miedema’s double means the 22-year-old forward already has 60 international goals, making her the all-time top scorer for the Netherlands women’s side.
“I am 22 years old and I hope I have a nice career in front of me. I have no idea where this will end, but as long as I continue playing at his level I hope to keep adding more goals,” said the Arsenal star.
Sarina Wiegman’s team were helped by a huge Dutch support which turned the Stade du Hainaut into a sea of orange, with around 15,000 fans expected in the northern French town which lies only a two-hour drive across Belgium from the southern Netherlands.
“The fact that the match was played in Valenciennes which is very close to Holland, I think that put us at a disadvantage,” said Cameroon coach Alain Djeumfa, insisting that gave the Dutch a “psychological” edge.
Those Dutch supporters saw their team take the lead in the 41st minute through a fine goal, with exciting winger Shanice van de Sanden playing a one-two with Jackie Groenen before crossing for Miedema to head home.
The lead lasted only two minutes, though, with Aboudi Onguene latching onto a long ball forward and rounding goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal to score.
However, the Dutch restored their lead within three minutes of the second half starting, with the Indomitable Lionesses failing to deal with a well-worked free-kick and the ball falling for defender Bloodworth — who plays with Miedema at Arsenal — to convert.
Substitute Lineth Beerensteyn then played in Miedema to run through and blast in their third late on.
Canada can also clinch qualification for the last 16 with a win over New Zealand later in Grenoble.
