Netherlands women's team suffers surprising defeat to Algeria in World Cup send-off match

The Dutch women's national football team experienced a disappointing 1-0 loss to Algeria in their final send-off match before heading to the World Cup. The defeat cast a shadow over what was intended to be a festive departure for the tournament in the United States. Despite a show with artists and a celebratory atmosphere at De Kuip stadium, the team will travel to New York with mixed feelings.

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You see the difference in how they experience it.

Algeria, ranked 28th in the FIFA world rankings, secured the victory with a late goal from substitute Anis Hadj Moussa just five minutes before the final whistle. This marks the first time in 22 years that the Netherlands has lost a pre-tournament friendly, with the last such defeat occurring before the 2004 European Championship. Coach Ronald Koeman was visibly frustrated in the dugout as Moussa's well-placed shot found the back of the net, a goal enthusiastically celebrated by the numerous Algerian fans present.

The match was played in autumnal conditions, with rain and wind affecting the players. This environment contrasted sharply with the expected heat and dry pitches of the World Cup venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While the conditions were not ideal for building rhythm and confidence, the game provided an engaging contest, partly due to the passionate support from over 10,000 Algerian fans, many of whom traveled from France. Their fervent atmosphere, occasionally punctuated by fireworks, created a more lively ambiance than typically seen in friendly matches.

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Be ready. Be Oranje

Despite the team's overall performance, debutant Crysencio Summerville impressed on the right wing, near his childhood neighborhood. Although he usually plays on the left for his club, West Ham United, coach Koeman believes he can also perform effectively on the right. Summerville actively sought out one-on-one situations and created danger by cutting inside or going down the flank. He narrowly missed assisting goals for Donyell Malen and Reijnders in the first half, showing flashes of individual brilliance amidst the team's struggle.

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very well