Victoria Pelova scored her first international goal since before her anterior cruciate ligament injury as the Netherlands beat Wales 3-0 at Euro 2025.
In a Dutch side packed full of central midfielders including Pelova, the 26-year-old started on the right wing, with Daphne van Domselaar keeping a clean sheet in goal.
Pelova was afforded space in the box and picked out by former Arsenal midfielder Danielle van de Donk to control the ball and send a half volley into the far corner.
Goals from Gunners legend Vivianne Miedema and Esmee Brugts sealed a comfortable win for the Dutch.
Victoria Pelova on her goal“When I got injured, I immediately asked if I could make the Euros. The last year’s been so stressful. Before the game, I told myself I made it and that was a proud moment, but to score was really nice.”A lovely way to end a rough chapter for her
— Siôn Misra ??????? (@sionmisra) July 5, 2025
Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and captain Leah Williamson all started for the Lionesses in a 2-1 defeat to France.
Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang came off the bench in the second half, with Agyemang making her major tournament debut on just her second cap for England.
Sandy Baltimore and Marie-Antoinette Katoto netted in the first half after Alessia Russo’s goal was controversially disallowed for offside. Kiera Walsh gave England hope late on, as the Euro 2022 champions fell to defeat.
On Friday, Stina Blackstenius played the full 90 minutes as Sweden beat rivals Denmark thanks to Filippa Angeldalhl’s strike.