The draw for the 2015 Women’s World Cup was made on Saturday with Netherlands handed a tough group.
- By Michael Bell
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Netherlands (ranked 15th) qualified for their first ever World Cup after beating Italy in a play-off last month, but they have been given a tough group for the tournament which begins next June after being drawn with hosts Canada(ranked 8th), New Zealand (ranked 19th) and China (ranked 14th).
In ten meetings with Canada, Netherlands have lost nine and drawn one, while again in ten previous matches they have only beaten China once. The record against New Zealand is slightly better with two wins for the Dutch in four games.
The Oranje coach Roger Reijners told the KNVB site, “It’s tricky group, but attractive too,”
“Playing against the hosts, Canada, probably means a full stadium, which will be great. We have previously played against New Zealand at the Cyprus Cup, so we know that that is a strong side. I know less about our third opponent, China, but of course every team that reaches the World Cup finals has a lot of quality. Besides, China are just above us in the FIFA World Ranking. We are very much looking forward to this tournament. Performing on the highest stage will be great for both the team and the development of women’s football in the Netherlands.”
The tournament gets underway on June 6th and lasts until July the 5th.
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