Vivianne Miedema of Manchester City scored her 100th international goal as Wales’ big tournament debut ended in a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in Lucerne.
Wales, the competition’s lowest-ranked squad, had made a promising start to the Euro 2025 Group D opening at the Allmend Stadium but were undone by two clinical Dutch goals on either side of halftime.
After Jill Roord’s attempt struck the crossbar, Wales’ stout defense line was finally penetrated when Miedema tucked home a superb dipping effort in stoppage time at the end of the first half to complete her century in style.
Victoria Pelova then scored from close range only three minutes into the second half, and Esmee Brugts added a third to put the outcome beyond Rhian Wilkinson’s side, who face France in St. Gallen on Wednesday.
Despite being pushed deep for lengthy stretches, Wales—with Esther Morgan making a surprise start in a back three—held their own as the Netherlands battled to break them down in the final third before the first drinks break.
Wales, cheered on by some 3,800 fans, was once again well-organized when play resumed as the Dutch, European champions in 2017, sought to find a cutting edge in all of their possessions.
However, the Netherlands came within inches of seizing the lead in the 35th minute.
Rhiannon Roberts headed away a long pass sent towards Wales’ penalty area. The ball fell to Roord, who took a touch before launching a 20-yard shot past Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark, but it rebounded back off the post.
Wales had a good opportunity late in the first half when Jess Fishlock passed the ball to Lily Woodham, but her shot went over.
The Netherlands broke the stalemate in first-half stoppage time with a superb finish from Miedema.
The Manchester City forward appeared to have little chance when she received the ball on the left just outside the Wales penalty area before switching back inside to clip a beautiful effort over Clark and into the far corner.
Wales went further behind three minutes after the restart when Danielle van de Donk latched onto a long ball and found Pelova, who hammered home from inside the six-yard box.
Former Manchester City midfielder Roord then had another chance go off the crossbar before the Netherlands scored a third goal in the 57th minute.
Jackie Groenen’s long-range drive hit the crossbar again, and after Wales failed to clear the danger, Brugts volleyed a deep cross into the back post.
Wales coach Wilkinson attempted to limit the damage by making replacements in the final 25 minutes, replacing Fishlock, Hannah Cain, and Josie Green with Ffion Morgan, Kayleigh Barton, and Rachel Rowe, respectively.
Clark came out fast to make a daring save at the feet of Lineth Beerensteyn as she raced clear on goal, but the Netherlands substitute’s late angled shot was ruled out for offside.