Dutch ready for big stage, WC champs

Don’t expect the Dutch to back down when the Netherlands faces defending World Cup champion Japan today at BC Place in Vancouver.

They want to prove they belong with the best in the world in women’s soccer.

“These are the exact matches we love to play: a large podium, a huge crowd,” coach Roger Reijners said. “This is probably the biggest one that they’ve played up to now. We have put a goal in our heads and it means that we need to win as many as you can win. The more the better. If tomorrow if things go well we’ll know exactly where we stand.”

This match will feature a splash of youth and experience: Japan’s Homare Sawa is playing her sixth and final World Cup, while 18-year-old Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema is an emerging world star.

Japan returns to BC Place for its third game in four at this World Cup.