Injury time equaliser keeps Orange Lionesses on course

Stefanie van der Gragt runs away euphorically after heading in the equaliser to make it 2-2 just before the final whistle. - Foto: KNVB Media

The Oranje Lionesses grabbed a point in the very last minute on Saturday afternoon in a tough game in the Czech Republic. It was defender Stefanie van der Gragt who headed in the equaliser to make it 2-2 against one of their main rivals in World Cup qualifying Group C. The game had been scheduled for Friday night, but was postponed due to heavy snowfall in Ostrava.

A depleted Netherlands side got off to a good start, but conceded a goal on just 11 minutes after Jill Roord lost the ball to Czech playmaker Katerina Svitkova. Without key players like Jackie Groenen, Aniek Nouwen, Sisca Folkertsma and Lieke Martens, all absent due to injury, it took the Orange Lionesses 40 minutes to level proceedings, courtesy of a Daniëlle van de Donk goal. The equaliser triggered a fierce Czech offensive that resulted in a goal by Simona Necidova from a corner in the 51^st minute.

Now, it was the Netherlands’ turn to go on the offensive, which didn’t produce a goal until the very last minute when Stefanie van der Gragt headed in a cross from substitute Kika van Es.

Next qualifier in April

The Netherlands will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign against Cyprus on Friday 8 April. This coming Monday, they will play an exhibition match against Japan. The kick-off in The Hague is scheduled for 19.40.