Netherlands Women Secure EuroHockey Title with 2-1 Win Over Germany

The Netherlands women’s hockey team claimed the EuroHockey title on July 30, 2025, defeating Germany 2-1 in a closely contested final. This victory marked the Dutch team’s fifth consecutive EuroHockey championship, extending their record as the only nation to achieve five titles in a row. The match showcased the Netherlands’ defensive prowess and their remarkable unbeaten streak of ten years in this prestigious tournament.

Germany, having previously struggled in the pool stages, demonstrated resilience and skill, pushing the world champions to their limits. Their performance in the final was commendable, and many observers felt they deserved a penalty shoot-out after putting pressure on the Dutch defense throughout the match.

The Dutch opened the scoring just five minutes into the game. Following a series of strategic passes, Xan de Waard executed a reverse hit while facing away from the goal. Joosje Burg played a pivotal role, maneuvering through multiple defenders before the ball found Pien Dicke, who converted to give the Netherlands an early lead.

As the first quarter drew to a close, Germany nearly equalized. A promising opportunity arose when Sara Strauss was poised to score, but a timely intervention from the Dutch defense thwarted the attempt. The Netherlands extended their lead in the second quarter through a more instinctive play. A powerful delivery by De Waard aimed at Luna Fokke resulted in a fortunate deflection that found the back of the net.

Germany responded with determination. A well-executed penalty corner by Lisa Nolte led to a deflected goal, narrowing the margin. However, shortly thereafter, Strauss received a yellow card for a late tackle, leaving Germany with an opportunity to capitalize on the extra space. The team pressed forward, showcasing creativity and tenacity as they sought to level the score.

As the match progressed into the final quarter, Germany’s confidence grew. Despite facing a strong Dutch defense, they created several scoring chances. A key moment came when they earned a penalty corner, but tournament top scorer Yibbi Jansen was unable to convert, missing an opportunity to notch her 97th goal in just 99 matches.

The final minutes saw Germany maintain pressure, but the Dutch defense held firm. Anne Veenedaal, the Netherlands goalkeeper, made crucial saves to secure the victory. As the final whistle blew, the Dutch team celebrated their achievement, while the German players received warm applause from the crowd for their spirited performance.

This title marks the 21st championship for the Netherlands in their last 27 global tournaments, a remarkable feat that underscores their dominance in international women’s hockey. The match served as a testament to the growing competitiveness in women’s hockey, with Germany emerging as a formidable contender, setting the stage for future encounters between these two nations.