France blew past the Netherlands with a ruthless second-half flurry, scoring three goals in just six minutes to flip the match on its head and seal a dominant 5-2 win on Day 12 of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. The Dutch had taken a surprise 2-1 lead into halftime and needed a three-goal victory to reach the quarter-finals—but instead fell apart under France’s relentless pressure.
With clinical finishing and relentless pressing, France topped Group D with a perfect record, while the Netherlands, winners in 2017, crashed out early—undone by costly turnovers, poor defending, and the brilliance of Delphine Cascarino.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: Day 12
Netherlands 2 – 5 France
Pelova (26’)
Toletti (22’), Katoto (61’), Cascarino (64’, 67’), Karchaoui (90+2′ pen), Bacha (41′ own goal)
Netherlands vs France – Match Stats
Netherlands | France | |
|---|---|---|
Possession | 52.1% | 47.9% |
Shots | 11 | 20 |
Shots on Target | 4 | 10 |
Expected Goals | 1.24 | 3.14 |
France Storm Back to Win Group D
France produced a ruthless second-half performance, including scoring three goals in six minutes, to come from behind and defeat the Netherlands 5-2. The Dutch, who needed to win by three goals to advance, led 2-1 at halftime but were consistently punished for mistakes while playing out from the back. France’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing sealed their place atop Group D.
Back-and-Forth Start
The match opened with both teams trading punches, but it was France who struck first. In the 22nd minute, after some slick passing down the right wing, Katoto cut the ball back to Toletti on the edge of the area. She let the ball bounce before smashing a volley into the bottom corner. The Dutch equalized just four minutes later through Pelova, who curled in a superb effort from 12 yards after retrieving a loose ball in the box. Pelova was also instrumental in the go-ahead goal, reaching the byline and setting up Beerensteyn, whose effort deflected off Bacha and rolled into the net.
Six-Minute Meltdown
After halftime, France ramped up their intensity. A Dutch miscommunication in the 61st minute allowed Cascarino to steal the ball and set up Katoto for a calm finish. Three minutes later, Cascarino weaved through two defenders before launching a rocket into the top-left corner. Just three minutes after that, Katoto and Baltimore linked up to unlock the Dutch defense again, and after Katoto’s shot hit both posts, Cascarino tapped in the rebound to make it 4-2.
Sealing the Deal
France continued to control possession and tempo, and in stoppage time, N’Dongala earned a penalty after a mazy dribble ended with Casparij tripping her in the box. Karchaoui calmly slotted the spot kick home to wrap up a resounding French win.
The Netherlands, Euro 2017 champions, are eliminated after conceding nine goals to France and England combined. While their attack showed flashes, their defensive fragility cost them dearly.
Group D – Final Standings
Team | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
France (Q) | 11 | 4 | 7 | 9 |
England (Q) | 11 | 3 | 8 | 6 |
Netherlands | 5 | 9 | -4 | 3 |
Wales | 2 | 13 | -11 | 0 |
xG Performance Summary
Team | xG | xG Against | Difference |
France (Q) | 7.93 | 3.26 | +4.67 |
England (Q) | 9.35 | 3.03 | +6.32 |
Netherlands | 2.93 | 6.03 | -3.10 |
Wales | 1.87 | 9.76 | -7.89 |
Next Fixtures – Quarterfinals
- Sweden vs England
- France vs Germany
