NOS Voetbal•zondag, 21:18
Pelova hopes for a chance in the Dutch midfield, Buurman is looking for a debut
The Dutch national team is preparing for another European Championship qualifier against Finland in the Finnish town of Tampere on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.
It is the fourth match in this European Championship qualifying cycle for the Netherlands, which leads the group after an earlier defeat against Italy (0-2) and a win over Norway (1-0). Numbers one and two qualify directly for the European Championship.
Changes
The second game against Finland in five days. Dutch international Victoria Pelova concluded after training on Sunday in Tampere that the Netherlands was certainly the better side on Friday. “But we want to create more opportunities.”
It is not easy either, says the 24-year-old Arsenal player. “We have had a lot of changes in the team, including a few injuries.”
Pro Shots
For example, Sherida Spitse is still suffering from a foot injury sustained against Finland. The question is whether she will make it to Tuesday’s match. Who is absent anyway: Damaris Egurrola, the midfielder was injured on Friday. And so a spot becomes available in midfield.
Wingback
Maybe for Pelova. She often plays as a wingback under national coach Andries Jonker. But a place in midfield is preferred by the 24-year-old international who has already played more than fifty games for the Dutch team.
“Midfield is my position, I think. I have been playing there all year round at Arsenal. That gives you confidence, what you do every day in training and in matches. I feel most comfortable in midfield. But anyway , it’s up to the trainer.”
Finland-Netherlands at NOS
The European Championship qualifier Finland-Netherlands can be seen on Tuesday, June 4 from 6 p.m. via a livestream on NOS.nl and in the NOS app. The match will also be broadcast on NPO 1. The preview starts at 5:40 PM.
The injuries also offer opportunities for players who have less experience than former Ajax player Pelova. For example, 18-year-old Veerle Buurman makes her debut in the Dutch selection, much to her own surprise. “I didn’t see it coming at all, no. Huh, how? Really? I was a bit in shock. I also called my parents right away. Unbelievable, yes, they are very proud.”
Let us introduce ourselves: Buurman is a talented defender from PSV who has only played eleven competition matches for the Eindhoven team. “I am a player with speed, I can compete physically, I have a good pass in my legs. I am at the left back, centrally.”
Known from television
She has now been with the Dutch national team for a week. “In the beginning it took some getting used to, it was exciting the first day. You don’t really know what to expect. I don’t know very many girls yet, or yes, from television. As a little girl I watched those girls on: Martens, Van de Donk, Groenen and also Janssen. It’s just nice to play with them now.”
ANPVeerle Buurman on behalf of PSV in action against FC Twente
Neighbor: “I learn a lot from those girls, I have been treated very well. I feel at home and am having a good time.”
She also talked a lot with Jonker. “He gives me a lot of tips. The training level is a bit higher. But I also noticed that I was moving along with the level. That’s why I’m here. I just have to stay true to myself, have confidence, and then everything will be fine if I it should say.”
Where does she hope to be in five years? “I hope, of course, to have played a few international matches and eventually become a permanent fixture for the Dutch team.”
Tuesday against Finland could easily be her debut. “Yes, you never know. If the opportunity is there, I have to be ready for it.”
