Ruthless Dutch put seven past hapless Vietnam

Netherlands players celebrate Esmee Brugts’ goal as Vietnam’s Thi Bich Thuy Nguyen watches during a Fifa Women’s World Cup Group E match at Dunedin Stadium last night. PHOTOS: CRAIG BAXTER

Netherlands coach Andries Jonker warned his team was out for goals.

Nobody could have predicted just how ruthless they would be.

His side put on a masterclass in a 7-0 demolition of Vietnam in front of 8215 spectators at Dunedin Stadium last tonight.

The comprehensive win means the Dutch qualify top of Group E at the Fifa Women’s World Cup, with the United States runners-up following their 0-0 draw against Portugal.

Young Esmee Brugts produced two wonder strikes from 25m out in the 18th and 57th minutes to help her side through.

Lieke Martens got her team under way after eight minutes and Kate Snoeijs followed three minutes later.

Vietnam struggled on defence, unable to keep up with the Netherlands’ pace, with the No 9 ranked side exploiting the gaps — the most stunning coming from Brugts.

The midfielder, who turned 20 last Friday, received the ball about 25m out near the left corner of the box and sent it curling into the back right of the net.

A Dutch fan is dressed for the occasion.

She covered her face in shock at the strike as her team rushed to congratulate her.

Jill Roord added their fourth in the 23rd minute off a nice cross from Dominique Janssen, in her 100th game.

Vietnam could have found themselves down even further had it not been for goalkeeper Kim Thi Tran.

Tran, who was replaced by Hang Thi Khong for the second half, put in a brave effort — backed by a warm reception from the crowd — saving Vietnam from more misery by saving several attempts.

Tran saved Roord’s shot in the 45th minute, only for van de Donk to bang in their second chance to lead 5-0 at the break.

Netherlands rang in the substitutes in the second half, giving players a rest ahead of their next game on Sunday.

They were slower to start until Brugts produced an identical strike to her first — and looked just as shocked — to open the second half scoring.

Still Vietnam’s defence tightened slightly and the opportunities did not come as easily.

The Netherlands’ pace tapered off and their passes did not stick as well, but that changed with a stunning team goal in the 83rd minute.

Vietnam’s Van Thi Duong was booked and Janssen took a free kick just inside their half. Stefanie van der Gragt headed the ball into the centre and the move was finished with a Roord header.