Netherlands Ladies U17 1-5 Germany Ladies U17
Mijnstadion
7 March 2013
Making the Most of an Opportunity
I'll be honest, I wouldn't normally travel 120kms for an U17 Ladies international, but when the venue is the wonderful Mijnstadion then it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
The stadium was home to Heusden Zolder who, in the early 2000's became the fastest rising Belgium club ever when it reached the top division. However in doing so, it had moved out to share with nearby Racing Genk. Relegation and subsequent financial problems meant the club was eventually liquidated in 2006.
Fortunately, this wonderful stadium is now home to national youth teams and the occasional pre season game for local professional clubs.
The main side is a mix of an old main stand, with two relatively new covered terraces either side, that have now been seated with benches in part. Behind both goals are sweeping uncovered terraces and the third side is a covered terrace. The other side of the tunnel midway along this terrace is the famous arched entrance.
The game itself was of a reasonable standard and the Dutch girls did well until ultimately running out of steam against a stronger, fitter German side.
I don't know why Germany and Holland were playing a qualifying match on Belgian soil, but I, for one, saw the funny side in the officials being English!
The stadium was home to Heusden Zolder who, in the early 2000's became the fastest rising Belgium club ever when it reached the top division. However in doing so, it had moved out to share with nearby Racing Genk. Relegation and subsequent financial problems meant the club was eventually liquidated in 2006.
Fortunately, this wonderful stadium is now home to national youth teams and the occasional pre season game for local professional clubs.
The main side is a mix of an old main stand, with two relatively new covered terraces either side, that have now been seated with benches in part. Behind both goals are sweeping uncovered terraces and the third side is a covered terrace. The other side of the tunnel midway along this terrace is the famous arched entrance.
The game itself was of a reasonable standard and the Dutch girls did well until ultimately running out of steam against a stronger, fitter German side.
I don't know why Germany and Holland were playing a qualifying match on Belgian soil, but I, for one, saw the funny side in the officials being English!