Mandy van den Berg Lifts Women’s Euros For The Netherlands

Congratulations are in order for Reading FC Women defender Mandy van den Berg, who this afternoon won the 2017 Women’s Euros with hosts the Netherlands. Goals from Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens and Sherida Spitse helped the OranjeLeeuwinnen (Orange Lionesses) come from behind to defeat Denmark 4-2 in the final, with van den Berg coming on as a 94th minute substitute for the final few moments.

The national team captain, she started the first two group games at the tournament against Norway and Denmark, but played no part in the fixture against Belgium as the Netherlands won three from three to top Group A. The 26-year-old then came on as a half-time substitute in the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Sweden before again being resigned to watching from the bench as the hosts overcame an England side, containing Reading’s Jo Potter and Jade Moore, 3-0 in the semi-final.

Having never reached a major international tournament final before, reaching the showpiece was an achievement in itself, but roared on by incredible home support that spurred them through the entire competition, the Netherlands made history and ended Germany’s impressive run of five straight Euros wins.

Van den Berg’s cameo in the Enschede final was her 90th for her country, a tally only bettered by two others in the Dutch squad. Having joined Reading Women from Liverpool last November, she has now become the first ever Royals player to win a major international tournament (male or female). Massive congratulations Mandy!