Dutch women’s national team manager Sarina Wiegman spoke to the NOS after the Netherlands secured their place in the last eight of Euro 2017 by beating Belgium 2-1.
- By James Rowe
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The television figures revealed that 2-4 million people in the Netherlands watched the game against Belgium on Monday and Wiegman has stated the fans support has been “very special.”
Wiegman said, ”We are proud of reaching the quarter finals. We knew before the tournament started that we were facing a difficult group and we are delighted with the way we have come through it.
”I am quiet surprised with the growing popularity of Euro 2017. Although we knew that it was going to be a big event with a lot of attention.
”We hope to make the most of home advantage and the reception we received when we arrived at the stadium in Utrecht was very special indeed, fantastic.
” The game against Belgium took a lot out of us because it was very physical but the squad came through it unscathed in terms of injuries.”
Looking forward to the next round, Wiegman stated,” We are not going to adapt our tactics to the eventual opponent. We will prepare well and try to play our own game and we want to show what we can do.
”You must also not forget that this team has been in development for many years. We only reached our maiden tournament at the European Championships in 2009 in Finland. Women’s football continues to progress.
”We are delighted with how things are going and the excitement and passion of the Oranje supporters as host country. It gives us such a boost it is fantastic ”
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