Pieëte pushes Netherlands past Denmark

A last-minute goal from substitute Marlous Pieëte secured the Netherlands a 1-0 win against Denmark in a friendly in Silkeborg.

Denmark started better and produced several scoring opportunities, with Pernille Harder and Christina Ørntoft coming particularly close, but as the hosts failed to benefit from them the visitors took over towards half-time although they too were unable to capitalise on their chances.

The second half also saw Denmark in the driver's seat from the start with dangerous attempts from Johanna Rasmussen, Harder and Sanne Troelsgaard, but the Netherlands goalkeeper Loes Geurts produced an outstanding display to keep the game goalless, enabling Pieëte to claim the winner at the death.

"This match is comparable with the matches we will have to play against Norway and Iceland at the European Championships in July," said Netherlands coach Roger Reijners. "Regarding the result one can say we did well but we can improve some things still. We want to become more dominant than we managed today. Comparing this match with those we will have to play against Norway and Iceland, you can conclude that those will be tough matches but that we are capable of winning them."

"The Netherlands only had a few opportunities and they were created on the counterattack," Denmark goalkeeper Stina Lykke said. Both of these teams have home games next week, with Denmark welcoming fellow finalists Russia to Horsens on Monday and the Netherlands playing the United States in The Hague the following night.