- Jackie Groenen scored the goal which took the Netherlands into their first Final
- Midfielder had yet to shoot on target during the tournament
- Groenen’s career could easily have gone down a different path
By Emma Coolen with the Netherlands
Who would portray Jackie Groenen if a movie was to be made about her life? Well, it might be time to start thinking about that because her story reads like a classic tale of what can happen when you believe in your dreams.
As a former Dutch youth national champion in judo and promising football talent, Groenen was forced to choose between her two favourite sports. Groenen eventually settled on football, and what a momentous decision that proved to be.
It is fair to say midfielder Groenen is not renowned as a goalscorer. In fact the 24-year-old had netted just twice in 52 prior internationals, and had not managed a shot on target throughout the past month at France 2019.
That all changed in dramatic fashion on Wednesday as Groenen conjured up an extra-time winner against Sweden. That laser-precision strike lifted the Netherlands into a maiden Final against USA after the Stars and Stripes’ tight win over England.
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The Tilburg-born midfielder, who is well-known for her positive upbeat attitude, couldn’t stop smiling after the game. “Yeah, it’s pretty nice,” Groenen said through a trademark smile and no shortage of humility, when asked how it feels to score such a historic goal.
“To be perfectly honest with you, as long as somebody scores the goal that takes us to the World Cup Final, I don’t really care who it is, as long as someone does it.
“I’m just so honoured to wear this jersey, every single time I get the chance to do it.”
Yet Groenen was very close to following a different path to the top. Groenen briefly looked at representing Belgium, having grown up in Poppel just across the border from the Netherlands.
At that moment, she probably could never imagine someday scoring the goal that led her country to a World Cup Final. “I think today truly shows what can happen when you dream big,” Groenen told FIFA.com. “[This is] surreal.”
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Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates with teammates after scoring
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
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Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team’s first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
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Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team’s first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
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Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden fails to save as Jackie Groenen
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden fails to save as Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands (not pictured) scores Netherlands’ first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team’s first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
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Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands punches the ball clear
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands punches the ball clear during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
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Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
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Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
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Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Kosovare Asllani of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Kosovare Asllani of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen of the Netherlands and Sherida Spitse of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands is challenged by Caroline Seger
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands is challenged by Caroline Seger of Sweden and Magdalena Eriksson of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Danielle Van De Donk of the Netherlands is challenged by Elin Rubensson and Sofia Jakobsson
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Danielle Van De Donk of the Netherlands is challenged by Elin Rubensson and Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
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Nilla Fischer of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Nilla Fischer of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Hanna Glas of Sweden is challenged by Lieke Martens
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Hanna Glas of Sweden is challenged by Lieke Martens of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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Desiree Van Lunteren of the Netherland is challenged by Lina Hurtig
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Desiree Van Lunteren of the Netherland is challenged by Lina Hurtig of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands collides with Elin Rubensson
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands collides with Elin Rubensson of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
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Stina Blackstenius of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Stina Blackstenius of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
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Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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General view inside the stadium during the match between Netherlands and Sweden
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: General view inside the stadium during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
© Getty Images
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General view inside the stadium as the Netherlands and Sweden players line up
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: General view inside the stadium as the Netherlands and Sweden players line up for the national anthem prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
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Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands speaks to her teammtaes
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands speaks to her teammtaes during a team huddle prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Sweden players warm up
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Sweden players warm up prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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Renate Jansen of the Netherlands warms up
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Renate Jansen of the Netherlands warms up prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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Dominique Bloodworth of the Netherlands arrives at the stadium
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Dominique Bloodworth of the Netherlands arrives at the stadium prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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General view inside the Sweden dressing room
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: General view inside the Sweden dressing room prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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General view inside the Netherlands dressing room
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: General view inside the Netherlands dressing room prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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Zecira Musovic of Sweden arrives at the stadium
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: Zecira Musovic of Sweden arrives at the stadium prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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A detailed view of the match ball prior the match between Netherlands and Sweden
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE – JULY 03: A detailed view of the match ball is seen prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The last four years have been simply extraordinary for the Oranjeleeuwinnen. Canada 2015 was the nation’s Women’s World Cup debut and came only after edging a tense four-way play-off to qualify. Two years later came an almost unthinkable triumph as the Netherlands secured a dynamic UEFA Women’s EURO win on home soil, having only featured in two previous editions of the tournament.
The Netherlands may start as underdogs against the reigning world champions on Sunday in Lyon, but they will lack little for self-belief.
So what makes this group of players so special? “In our team we play with confidence, and we give each other confidence,” Groenen said. “And that feels so great.”