Van Kleef points out: “Not the easiest…

The World Cup starts in Australia and New Zealand in a week. Former international Atty Eelkema, coach of FC Groningen, does not expect the OranjeLeeuwinnen to finish in the top three. She said so during a discussion at the Groninger Forum.

“If we go through the group, Sweden is probably waiting. Then you can just lie down,” adds Suse van Kleef, as quoted by the Northern Journal. “But if the Netherlands win this match, Spain and the United States, who we also play against in the group, can be the opponents. We are not on the easier side of the calendar.”

Former coach Foppe de Haan was always optimistic: “If we win against Sweden, we can also win against America,” said the assistant to then national coach Sarina Wiegman. in 2017. Van Kleef expects a lot from Wiegman’s England. “And from Germany. The Germans were good in the final of the European Championship last year. England won the title, but had a bit of luck. Germany could have won just as well. France also has a great team.”

The United States should certainly not be underestimated either, Van Kleef said. “The team is weaker than it was four years ago. The preparation results have been poor, but America has so many good football players. This country can field two full teams for the World Cup .”