Dutch not at Euro 2022 just to sell tickets, says coach Parsons

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Netherlands' coach Mark Parsons is eying an upset against France in Saturday's quarter-final
Netherlands' coach Marking Parsons is eying an upset against France in Sat's quarter-concluding Oli SCARFF AFP

Stockport (Great britain) (AFP) – Netherlands manager Mark Parsons is determined to leave a marking on the pitch at Euro 2022 to friction match the affect of the Dutch fans who have turned stadiums in England orange.

Thousands of supporters have helped interruption the record attendance for a group-stage game at a women'due south Euros not involving the host nation twice during the tournament.

A oversupply of 22,596 watched the holders beat Switzerland four-1 on Sunday, but they needed a flurry of late goals to guarantee their place in the knockout stages.

Parsons has had to cope with the loss of helm Sari van Veenendaal and former UEFA women'due south histrion of the yr Lieke Martens for the rest of the tournament and has had to juggle subsequently Vivianne Miedema and Jackie Groenen tested positive for coronavirus.

Miedema returned to training on Wednesday and the Arsenal striker, rated past many as the best player in the women'due south game, could play a pivotal role in Sabbatum's quarter-final showdown against France.

Les Bleues have been one of the standout sides of the tournament then far in England.

French republic scored 5 goals in the first half of their opening 5-1 win against Italy before securing summit spot in Group D with a 2-1 victory over Belgium.

Still, their 16-game winning run was ended past Iceland'southward late equaliser in a 1-ane draw to conclude the grouping stages on Monday.

Parsons was in attendance for that game in Manchester and believes he saw plenty to suggest the Dutch will crusade Corinne Diacre's side problems.

"Everyone has decided French republic will win this game and we're at that place to help sell some tickets," Parsons told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's an interesting situation for France because this is the commencement fourth dimension they take drawn later winning 16. That volition be interesting (how they react)."

Miedema in training

Miedema missed holland' victories over Portugal and the Swiss after winning player of the match in a one-1 draw against Sweden to open up their campaign.

The all-fourth dimension top goalscorer in the history of the men's or women's Dutch national teams hopes she tin can win her fitness in time for Saturday's disharmonism in Rotherham.

"There are iii important steps -- today was just one," said Parsons.

"One time we've gone through training today, tomorrow and Friday we will be able to make a decision on whether she tin can play."

France shell the Netherlands 3-one when the sides met in the Tournoi de France in February.

But Parsons hopes that French republic's attacking nature could play into his side's hands should Miedema be fit to lead the line.

"France are a top team, top players, very consequent in how they play," he said. "Nosotros played them in February and scouted them because of a potential quarter-final.

"They have lot of pace and ability. They are dynamic not merely athletically but they are dynamic in the way they play. They have good communication on when to run.

"At that place are good threats there, but at that place is too infinite at that place. Yous saw it when they played Kingdom of belgium and Iceland."

© 2022 AFP