Chasing Past Heights in the FIFA Rankings

Under Veurink’s leadership, the objective is to recapture the form that saw the Netherlands claim a top-three spot on the global governing body’s ranking in 2021. That high-water mark followed a historic European Championship victory in 2017 and a silver-medal finish at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the years since, Oranje has slipped to tenth place internationally, a slide the staff is determined to reverse through strict adherence to a proactive playing style.

To bridge the gap back to the elite, Veurink emphasizes a collective mindset built on resilience and accountability. “Spelen met passie, strijden voor elkaar, fouten durven maken en die weer goedmaken,” Veurink stated regarding the team’s required mentality at the KNVB campus in Zeist, stressing that playing with passion, fighting for teammates, and recovering from mistakes must become second nature.

Overcoming Qualifying Hurdles and Tactical Challenges

With the World Cup in Brazil less than a year away, the Dutch side must play through the play-off rounds rather than holding an automatic ticket. Oranje had the opportunity to secure qualification directly following strong performances against France, but a costly 3-2 defeat to Ireland in June disrupted those plans. That encounter stands as Veurink’s only defeat since taking charge.

Analyzing that setback, the coach pointed to the tactical demands placed on his players when facing a compact opponent. Ireland successfully deployed a low block and capitalized on counter-attacks, exposing a specific area for growth. “In die wedstrijd werd veel van ons gevraagd aan de bal. Dan voldoende kansen creëren is een ontwikkelpunt,” Veurink noted, explaining that generating enough scoring chances while dominating possession remains a primary development point.

Upcoming Play-Off Fixtures Against Hungary

The immediate test for Veurink’s squad comes in the play-offs against Hungary, ranked 45th globally, followed by potential matches against either Turkey or Slovenia. The coaching staff anticipates similar tactical setups from opponents who prefer to defend deep—a prevailing trend in modern international football.

The fixtures against Hungary are scheduled for October, with the away leg taking place on Friday, October 9, at 20.00 local time (UTC+2), followed by the home fixture on Tuesday, October 13, at 20.45 local time (UTC+2). Both encounters will be broadcast live via public television and digital streaming platforms.

Squad Depth and Developing Young Talent

Despite dropping points against Ireland and dealing with significant personnel hurdles—such as an injury crisis that sidelined seven key players accounting for a combined 772 international caps ahead of a 2-1 victory over France—Veurink has been encouraged by the breadth of the talent pool.

The manager highlighted how easily rising prospects integrated during high-stakes matches, including 19-year-old newcomer Renee van Asten, who scored the opening goal against France, alongside Lotte Keukelaar, Wieke Kaptein, and Veerle Buurman. Veurink maintains that his selection philosophy prioritizes tactical cohesion over fixed lineups. “Ik geloof niet zo in de vastigheid van elf namen. Wel in een vaste speelwijze en de speelstijl,” he said, signaling that performance and tactical fit dictate selection rather than seniority.

Drawing on his recent success as assistant coach for England—where he secured consecutive European titles in 2022 and 2024 alongside a World Cup silver medal in 2023—Veurink understands the operational demands of winning championships. While acknowledging that wealthier federations often benefit from superior financial resources, he insists that Dutch football’s historical strength lies in innovation and tactical creativity.

Consistency in daily preparation, recovery, and training intensity will ultimately determine whether Oranje can sustain a spot among the world’s elite teams as the road to Brazil continues.