The Netherlands have qualified for their first Women’s World Cup with a 3-2 aggregate win over Italy in the UEFA playoff final. Vivianne MIEDEMA scored all three goals to lead the Dutch squad to Canada.

The first leg was played before a crowd of 13,100 in Den Haag, a record for a women’s match in the Netherlands. Melania GABBIADINI put the visitors ahead in the 19th minute, but Miedema equalised early in the second half.

The second leg in Verona belonged to Miedema. The eighteen year old striker, months after leading the Dutch to the UEFA U-19 women’s title, scored two goals in the first half. Italy were granted a lifeline with an own goal in the 53rd minute, but the remaining two goals they needed were not forthcoming.

Miedema finished with sixteen goals in the qualifiers, three more than any other UEFA player. All eyes will be on her next summer to see if her finishing touch will be on show in Canada.