In a high-octane Group D showdown at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, France delivered a commanding 5-2 victory over the Netherlands, knocking the Dutch out at the group stage for only the second time in tournament history. Les Bleues secured their place in the quarterfinals alongside defending champions England, while the Oranje were left to rue a second straight defeat.
First Blow Lands Early for France
With the pressure mounting on the Netherlands following a humbling 4-0 loss to England, Andries Jonker’s side faced a must-win scenario. But it was France who drew first blood. Delphine Cascarino set the tone early, bursting into the box and testing Dutch keeper Daphne van Domselaar. The initial strike was parried, but Sakina Karchaoui pounced on the rebound only to be denied again.
Persistence paid off for France in the 22nd minute. A slick build-up allowed Sandie Toletti to ghost into the box and drill a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving France a deserved lead.
Dutch Fightback Sparks Hope
Despite the early setback, the Dutch responded with impressive resolve. Just four minutes later, Victoria Pelova curled a sensational shot into the top corner, leveling the score. The turnaround was complete minutes before halftime when France’s Selma Bacha accidentally diverted a cross into her own net, giving the Netherlands a surprise 2-1 advantage at the break.
With renewed belief and momentum, the Oranje seemed poised to complete their comeback story. However, France had other plans.
Cascarino Leads French Revival
France stormed out of the tunnel with renewed intensity. Cascarino came close again early in the second half, narrowly missing the target with a lifted effort. The breakthrough came just past the hour mark when the winger turned provider, threading a perfect through ball to Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who calmly finished to make it 2-2.
The equalizer opened the floodgates. Cascarino stole the show moments later, unleashing a thunderbolt from 25 yards that rocketed into the top corner. She wasn’t done yet—after Katoto’s shot agonizingly hit both posts, the ball fell kindly for Cascarino to net her second and France’s fourth of the night.
France Finish with Style, Dutch Crash Out
The Netherlands’ hopes of pulling off a miracle evaporated, and France continued to dominate. In stoppage time, Karchaoui capped off the performance by converting a penalty, sealing a resounding 5-2 win and extending France’s unbeaten run against the Dutch to five games.
It was France’s 11th consecutive victory in all competitions, underlining their status as serious title contenders. For the Netherlands, an early exit brings a painful end to their EURO 2025 campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Player of the Match: Delphine Cascarino (France) – 2 goals, 1 assist, relentless attacking threat
- France join England in the quarterfinals
- Netherlands eliminated at group stage for just the second time ever
