Tilburg Victory Sends Netherlands Into Final Playoff Round
The Netherlands women’s national football team defeated Hungary 3-0 at the Koning Willem II Stadion in Tilburg, securing an 11-0 aggregate victory and advancing to the final round of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup playoffs, nos.nl reported. Having claimed an 8-0 victory in the first leg in Hungary on Friday, the side known as Oranje controlled the return fixture from the opening whistle before an attendance of just over 8,000 spectators.
Aerial Strategy Dominates First Half
Netherlands head coach Arjan Veurink deployed a deliberate wing-play tactic, directing attacks down the flanks to deliver high crosses into the penalty area. The approach paid off immediately in the eighth minute when Esmee Brugts headed in a cross from Daniëlle van de Donk. Lineth Beerensteyn doubled the advantage in the 39th minute by converting a service from Lynn Wilms, and Damaris Egurrola added a third just before halftime by heading home a corner kick taken by Brugts.
The second half yielded no further goals despite sustained pressure. Victoria Pelova missed an opportunity from close range, and midfielder Jill Roord fired a shot directly into the gloves of the Hungary goalkeeper. With the aggregate result secure, 21-year-old defender Isa Kardinaal made her international debut as a 70th-minute substitute following her summer transfer from Ajax to London City Lionesses.
Slovenia Awaits in November Playoff Decider
Only Slovenia now stands between the Dutch squad and a place at the 2027 World Cup. Ranked 36th in the FIFA world rankings, Slovenia advanced by eliminating Turkey in a two-legged playoff that featured a 3-3 draw in the first match and a 2-0 victory in the return leg after Turkey received a red card within the opening half-hour. The Netherlands, ranked 11th globally, will face Slovenia in a home-and-away series during the international window scheduled from November 26 through December 5.
I expect a similar match image against Slovenia as against Hungary,
Veurink stated prior to the return leg against Hungary. Where Slovenia does have better players, so the challenge will be greater for us to play through the defensive block.
Playoff Schedule and Outlook
The decisive two-match series between the Netherlands and Slovenia will determine qualification for the tournament during the late-autumn international window.
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