Magnificent Dutch hit hosts for seven

The Netherlands took a giant step towards the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship semi-finals with an impressive 7-0 win over the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in Skopje.

Lieke Martens put the Jong Oranje ahead inside the opening minute and was one of three players to register twice, along with Vanity Lewerissa and Kirsten Koopmans. Substitute Mauri van de Wetering rounded off the scoring and her side will face Spain on Sunday knowing they must avoid losing by more than three goals to advance.

Netherlands coach Hesterine De Reus opted to start with an attacking lineup, fielding Martens up front alongside Shanice van de Sanden and with Koopmans out wide, while Lewerissa was given a free role in the centre of midfield. That positive approach was soon rewarded as her team – fresh from beating France 2-0 on Monday – found the net after just 57 seconds. Dobrislav Dimovski's side were guilty of leaving Martens too much space and the striker finished clinically past Cvetanka Petrova.

The Jong Oranje continued to dominate and the lively Lewerissa soon made it 2-0 following fine work and a good pass from Stephanie van der Gragt. The hosts then slipped further behind as Koopmans grabbed her first on 23 minutes, with Lewerissa firing low into the net from 15 metres out just before the break.

The pattern of the game did not change in the second half and the Netherlands gave their passionate supporters in the stands more reason to cheer when Koopmans struck again with a perfect finish. That was followed by a second goal for Martens, her third of the tournament.

The hosts were barely able to get out of their own half and, after missing a raft of chances and hitting the post, De Reus's charges increased their lead further through Van de Wetering. Now eliminated, FYROM end their campaign against France on Sunday.