Wieke Kaptein was disappointed with her reserve role for Oranje on Sunday during the last European Championship group match against France. The midfielder had not received an explanation from coach Andries Jonker beforehand as to why she was passed over.
The Netherlands lost 2-5 to France, resulting in Oranje being eliminated from the European Championship in Switzerland. Kaptein came onto the field halfway through the second half with a 2-4 deficit.
Kaptein is severely disappointed with the elimination but would also have liked to know why she didn’t start in the base. “I flipped the switch and wanted to be there for the team in the second half,” the nineteen-year-old Kaptein began with the NOS.
“I didn’t know anything (about her reserve role, ed.). I suddenly saw it during training when handing out the shirts. Nothing was said to me. I think I played well in the previous match against England (0-4 loss, ed.). But ultimately, it’s his choice, and I can’t do anything about it.”
Kaptein only heard about the final lineup during the meeting. “But he didn’t come to me, so I didn’t hear a reason,” said the midfielder, who didn’t approach Jonker himself to ask for a reason. “No, I show what I do on the field. If he wants to make a different choice, then he can do that.”
Kaptein realized that with a 2-4 deficit, she could not contribute much to Oranje. The Netherlands had to win by at least three goals against France to advance, as competitor England won 6-1 against Wales.
“I am grateful that I played against Wales and England. We have a very nice team among ourselves. We wanted it, but it didn’t come out on the field. I am super proud of all the girls.”
Kaptein is especially disappointed for the older generation, such as Sherida Spitse (35), Renate Jansen (34), and Daniëlle van de Donk (33). “That means a lot to me. It’s probably their last European Championship. That’s just sour.”