Gwyneth Hendriks and Nina Nijstad are on the eve of their first game with the Orange Lionesses. The two could debut against Italy on Friday night, more than a week after being overwhelmed by the good news at lunch.
While having a quiet lunch with the rest of the team in the cafeteria, they were taken apart one-by-one by Sandra Doreleijers and Roeland ten Berge. "When they told me that I was on the final selection, tears immediately sprang to my eyes. It had finally happened, the time had come," says Gwyneth. Nina also had to let the good news sink in for a while. "I was at a loss for words. I knew there could be new names due to injuries, but I hadn't thought about the fact that it could be me," laughs the midfielder.
Then they had to keep it a secret from the outside world for a while until the selection was made public. "We didn't say anything, but the team had strong suspicions. Of course, we both came back at lunch with a big smile. I did call my parents right away. We had a good cry on the phone," says Gwyneth. Nina deliberately called only her father. "Mom is way too excited, she can't keep her mouth shut," she laughs.
Measuring up to the best
With slight excitement, but mostly with good spirit, they traveled to Zeist last Monday for the preparation for the international matches against Italy and Norway. "It helps that we have already trained with them once and know some girls from the competition. I am also happy that I get to experience this together with Gwyneth," said Nina, who is not afraid that nerves will get the better of her. "Once I'm on the field, fortunately I don't suffer from them anymore."
'Of course that brings some tension, but that's mostly healthy tension'
Most of all, Gwyneth is really looking forward to getting to take on such a big stage. "It's the place where you can compete with the very best. I'm really looking forward to that. Of course that brings with it some excitement, but that's mostly healthy excitement."
Golden edge
The call-up for the national team adds a golden edge to a personally strong season for both players. "My move to PSV was already a beautiful milestone in my career. I already knew it was the right choice, but this is confirmation," Nina says beaming.
The milestones are also piling up for Gwyneth, because only a few weeks ago she signed a new contract until mid-2028. So the question is whether the PSV Women's captain has already set her new goals. "I don't need any new goals yet," she laughs, "First of all make my debut for Oranje and become champion with PSV."
Italy - Netherlands | April 5 at 18:15
Netherlands - Norway | April 9 at 20:45
