Netherlands star Vivianne Miedema scored her 97th goal for her country but was forced off with a knock in the second half as the Dutch defeated Austria 3-1 in the UEFA Women’s Nations League. The match was held on Tuesday as part of Group A1 action.
Miedema, who plays for Manchester City, came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute. She made an immediate impact, scoring just seven minutes later. However, the joy was short-lived. Miedema appeared to suffer an injury and had to be taken off only eight minutes after entering the game.
This development comes at a critical time for Manchester City manager Nick Cushing, with the Manchester derby approaching this weekend. The extent of Miedema’s injury is not yet known, raising concerns about her availability for the key match.
Concerns for Manchester City as Two Players Substituted
Kerstin Casparij, another Manchester City player, started for the Netherlands but did not return after half-time. It remains unclear whether her substitution was due to an injury or a tactical decision.
For Austria, Laura Wienroither played the entire 90 minutes. Austria had taken an early lead through a goal by Julia Hickelsberger in the ninth minute. But the Dutch responded quickly, equalizing just a minute later through Kaptein.
Goals Galore for the Dutch
The Netherlands secured the win with second-half goals from Daniëlle van de Donk in the 57th minute and Miedema in the 69th. Despite Miedema’s early exit, the Oranje managed to hold on and collect all three points.
The victory means the Netherlands are now level on points with Germany at the top of Group A1 in the Women’s Nations League.
Jill Roord, another regular name in the Dutch squad, was not part of the matchday squad and did not feature in the game.
Spain Thrashes Portugal 7-1 in Group A1
Elsewhere in Group A1, Spain dominated Portugal with a commanding 7-1 win. Manchester City defenders Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri both started for Spain. Ouahabi, however, was taken off at halftime with Spain already 4-0 up. The substitution is likely to have been tactical.
Spain’s goals came from six different players. Salma Paralluelo opened the scoring, followed by two from Aitana Bonmatí. Alexia Putellas also struck twice. Mariona Caldentey and Esther González added to the tally. Portugal’s only goal came late from Beatriz Fonseca.
With the win, Spain temporarily took the lead in League A Group 1. England were set to play later in the evening, which could affect the standings.
England U19s Cruise Past Ukraine 10-0
In other international action, Manchester City youngsters Eve Annets and Lily Murphy helped England U19s secure a dominant 10-0 win over Ukraine in the UEFA Women’s U19 EURO second qualifying round.
Annets played the full match in goal and kept a clean sheet. Murphy came on as a substitute in the 56th minute when the team was already leading 8-0.
The win confirmed England’s place in this summer’s U19 finals, which will be held in Poland.
What’s Next for Manchester City?
Manchester City fans will now await updates on Miedema and Casparij’s fitness ahead of the upcoming derby match. Manager Nick Cushing is expected to give a full update during his Friday press conference at 14:30 UK time.
