Netherlands:

She became known to the general public as an unflappable, no-nonsense defender. She broke through as an international and captured Olympic gold. But since this summer, Lisa Post has had a different role. At the European Championships, she is suddenly playing a lot of midfield. And that could soon earn her her first national team goal.

Yes, she did get some reactions to her near-moment of fame. The European Championship for the Netherlands was only nine minutes old on Saturday when Post – who is called by her last name by everyone and everything – already had a shot opportunity, against Ireland.

It was fun, playful and smooth what Post showed. She got the ball in space, on the 23-yard line. As if she had never done anything else, she shook off two Irish defenders. Then followed a quick backhand shot, which hit the outgoing Irish goalie. The rebound rolled in front of the stick of Joosje Burg, so the attack still resulted in the first European Championship goal for the Netherlands.

Photo: Willem Vernes

A few days later, Post looks back on that situation with a big smile. ‘I did look back at that moment, of course,’ she says after the pool match against France (6-0). ‘I was a bit shocked at that moment by that chance. Actually also thought I should have made a different choice. But when I saw the footage, I think I did the right thing. Even more beaming: ‘Afterwards, I was congratulated on that action. So it stood out. Because for me to get there is still a little new.’

The new role for Post was figured out after the playoffs. In a practice game against China leading up to the Pro League, she was there for the first time. As the eighth point of the diamond of the four-man midfield. ‘I was a bit surprised that I was put there. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. About three years ago, in my last year at Oranje-Rood. With Orange, I never played there. I was curious, though. ‘Let’s give it a try,’ I said. And afterwards everyone was pleased.’

‘She has so much running ability. Lisa is still able to run back from Mönchengladbach to our hotel in Venlo after the game, if necessary.’ Raoul Ehren

National coach Raoul Ehren was not going to simply shift Post’s position. Because Laura Nunnink tore her cruciate ligament during the playoffs, he had to look for a new defensive midfielder. ‘In the Pro League we put Post there,’ the national coach said. ‘We were very happy how that went. She is our lock on the door. The free man, who vacuums and cleans up messes. She has a running ability for five men.’

Photo: Willem Vernes

Smiling: ‘That one is still able to run back from Mönchengladbach to our hotel in Venlo after the game, if necessary.’ Post has so much energy. Wins so many duels. On the ball she looks very good and she looks for the pass forward.’

This is how Post herself thinks

So the coach has no lack of enthusiasm. Post is modest by nature. He will not shower himself with patties and feathers, although in this case they are certainly deserved.

I especially like it,” says Post, who also played in the back in the second group game with Germany. ‘So Raoul can go in all directions with me. In midfield, I’m a little more involved in the attack. Sometimes that takes getting used to, because suddenly a lot is happening around me. Of course, I’m used to the game happening only in front of me. I play a lot of duels and find it a nice and fun challenge. I’m happy with it.

Photo: Willem Vernes

Team Post, her notable fan base

And no doubt the same goes for her loyal supporters. Team Post. A household name in supporter country since the Paris Olympics. Post looks back on it with a smile. ‘It started with two people. My parents. But during the tournament, that group got bigger and bigger every day. Grew to thirty, forty people. That was crazy. Her personal fan club does not yet make it that crazy in Mönchengladbach. ‘Today there were about ten of them. My parents, my boyfriend and his family and some friends.’

Team Post would do well to visit again. After all, their favorite may just score her first international goal in the final two games of the tournament. In her first 71 appearances for the Orange, she failed to score. But yes. Of course, those were almost all games in which she was at the back.

‘I was already getting emails that I would probably make it today, against France. It would be really nice if I score once, but it’s not a goal for me. We’ll see.’