Smit marks Netherlands milestone with win
Monday, November 26, 2012
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Sylvia Smit scored on her 100th Netherlands appearance as the UEFA Women's EURO 2013 finalists overcame Wales 2-0 in a home friendly but Roger Reijners was still not content.
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Sylvia Smit scored on her 100th Netherlands appearance as the UEFA Women's EURO 2013 finalists overcame Wales 2-0 in their last match of the year.
Missing top scorer Manon Melis, the Netherlands were facing an experimental Wales lineup and went ahead in Velsen-Zuid on 40 minutes with a low shot from Smit. Wales, who were only just pipped to the Women's EURO play-offs by Scotland, missed a chance to level in the 55th minute when Loes Geurts saves Jessica Fishlock's penalty. Just before the end Sherida Spitse made sure of victory with a long-range effort.
Netherlands coach Roger Reijners, who gave a debut to defender Siri Worm in the second half, said: "Winning is always good, but I'm still not happy with the performance. We were too sloppy in possession and Wales were given too much space. Nevertheless, we had the best chances, so the victory is deserved."
His team begin their UEFA Women's EURO 2013 campaign on 11 July against holders Germany before further Group B fixtures against Norway and Iceland. They reached the semi-finals in 2009.
