The European Championship is in the history books. The Orange Ladies crowned themselves in Mönchengladbach as the best team in Europe for the fifth time in a row and for the thirteenth time in history. In the final, the Dutch Men just missed out on gold after losing in the shoot-outs against host Germany. Our photographer Willem Vernes listed – in random order – his ten most beautiful, striking photos of the European Championship 2025, with a personal explanation.
Willem Vernes: “What’s happening? Pien Sanders at full speed breaks her fall by grabbing onto the net of the goal. This could easily have ended differently. Now she got away with a scare.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘Steijn van Heijningen collides head-on with Austria’s goalkeeper Laurenzo Rizzi. It looks spectacular with a helmet flying away. Both got away unscathed.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘Tjep Hoedemakers with a chance for the 2-0 against Germany. Goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg sees the effort go wide. This chance could have decided the final.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘Jorrit Croon in conversation with referee Laurine Delforge after his missed shoot-out. Apart from the fact that Jorrit seemed to start later, there also seemed to be something wrong with the timekeeping. ‘
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘Belgian referee Sébastien Michielsen goes down.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘Captain Thierry Brinkman plays his 200th international and needs half a minute to crown this milestone with a goal.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘Xan de Waard plays a very good final and leads the way. She skillfully foils the opponent with a card, allowing her team to catch their breath in the exciting final battle.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘Yibbi does it. She becomes top scorer and named best player of the tournament. She thought the latter was too much of a good thing. Her team deserved that award. That’s to her credit.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘A drone image of the stadium after game day.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
‘In the end, the ladies are back with the cup in their hands. They are still the best and want to stay that way for a very long time. Very handsome.’
Photo: Willem Vernes
by Hockey.nl
