Sports
Women’s W/Cup: Netherlands Set For Sweden Clash In Semis
European champions the Netherlands “did not expect” to be in the semi-finals of the World Cup, says other player Vivianne Miedema.
The Dutch have reached the last four for the first time and face 2003 finalists Sweden in Lyon tonight.
“We have done amazing and we can be really proud,” said striker Miedema, who has scored three goals including one in the last-eight win over Italy.
The winners will face either holders the United States or England in the final at the same venue on Sunday.
Arsenal’s Miedema, 22, has taken her tally to 61 international goals during the tournament to become her country’s all-time top scorer.
She scored 31 goals in 28 games in all competitions last season and collected the PFA Player of the Year award as Arsenal won the Women’s Super League title.
The Netherlands’ spine of Miedema, midfielder Danielle van de Donk, centre-back Dominique Bloodworth and goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal all played for the Gunners last season, though the latter two left the club at the end of the campaign.
Miedema added: “Obviously it is really easy because we have been playing together for two years. We play as goalie, centre-back, number 10 and me and it is the same at Arsenal so you get to know each other a lot better.
“I just need to look at Dominique Bloodworth and I know where she is going to play the ball. It is the same with DVD (Van de Donk), we just have that connection. It helps me a lot and it helps our team a lot, and I am happy that we have got that.
“We have been complaining a lot that we have not played the best football but in the end we are in the semis.”
Sweden on their part are aiming to reach their second final after being beaten 2-1 after extra time by Germany 16 years ago in California.
They took revenge this year with a shock quarter-final victory over the Germans, who were heavily fancied to progress to the final.
The Swedes come up against a Netherlands side that have won their past 11 games at a major tournament having triumphed at the Euros at home two years ago.
Sweden manager, Peter Gerhardsson says he studied in Rotterdam and called the Netherlands “one of my favourite countries when it comes to football”.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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