The Netherlands emerged victorious in the first of two friendlies with Denmark this week, winning 2-0 thanks to two goals late on in the game.
Lieke Martens broke the deadlock in a tight game with 20 minutes to go, her shot deflecting in before Shanice van de Sanden wrapped up the win in the final minute of the 90.
The two play each other again on Monday morning as they prepare for their respective upcoming qualifiers - Denmark for Euro 2017 and the Netherlands for this summer's Olympics.
Tight opening half
By all accounts it was an even first half, where both teams had big chances. The Netherlands started well and began to have chances in quick succession, with Denmark’s goalkeeper, Stina Lykke, having to pull off two good saves.
At the start of the game Denmark relied on a good counter-attacks as a result, but they were unable to carve out any clear-cut chances.
However, as the half progressed, they had their strongest spell. First, it was prolific goalscorer, Sanne Troelsgaard, who had a shot that went over, and then Pernille Harder’s free-kick forced Sari van Veenendaal into a save. The following shot, which was a huge chance, was, however, missed.
The half concluded with Line Røddik having a shot from the distance, but that went over as the two teams went in for the break.
Clinical Dutch
Two unchanged teams started the second half in a similar to way which the first half started, with the Dutch forcing Lykke into a save.
However, like the first again, the game was very back and forth until Martens made it 1-0 with a deflected shot just 20 minutes from time.
After this, Denmark dominated possession but were unable to break down the Dutch side, who looked comfortable at the back. Towards the end of the game, things opened up with a few chances for each side, and it was Denmark who got the biggest one after nearly scoring directly from a corner.
The Netherlands, however, managed to score another goal, Shanice van de Sanden wrapping things up as the game finished 2-0 to the Dutch.
Second meeting coming up
On Monday, these two teams will face each other again as they continue to prepare for busy upcoming schedules.
The Netherlands will have to play their crucial Olympic qualifying games against strong nations in Sweden, Norway and Switzerland, so will hope for another confidence boosting win. The four teams will play a mini tournament in March, with the winner joining fellow European nations France and Germany in Brazil this summer.
Next up for Denmark, meanwhile, is the Algarve Cup, where they will square up against Iceland, Canada and Belgium.