Preview: Netherlands Women vs. Austria in International Friendly

XEWKIJA, Gozo (Interstat) — The Netherlands women’s national team will look to reverse a troubling run of form when it hosts Austria in an international friendly Wednesday at Gozo Stadium.

The match, part of the global women’s friendly calendar, serves as a critical tune-up for both European sides. It precedes a quick rematch, as the teams will meet again in Austria on Thursday.

The Dutch enter on a three-game losing streak, having been outscored 13-0 in those defeats. Most recently, the Netherlands fell 4-0 to South Africa on Nov. 22, 2025. Previous losses include a 5-2 defeat to France and a 4-0 loss to England in July 2025. Their last positive result was a 1-1 draw with Scotland in June.

Austria also seeks a rebound from a heavy loss, a 4-0 defeat to Italy on Nov. 22. Their recent form is mixed, featuring a 2-2 draw with Belgium in October and a 6-0 loss to Germany in June.

Despite the contrasting recent trajectories, statistical projections present a conflicted outlook. Interstat’s ELO rating system heavily favors the Netherlands, giving the hosts a 78.30 percent probability to win. However, the same organization’s game simulator predicts a 3-1 victory for Austria, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this fixture.

The game offers Netherlands coach Andries Jonker a chance to stabilize his squad ahead of future competitions. Key veterans will be expected to provide leadership after the team’s recent defensive struggles.

For Austria, the focus will be on building consistency and proving resilient after their own lopsided loss to Italy. The back-to-back fixtures against the Dutch provide a unique opportunity to test tactical adjustments.

Kickoff is set for Wednesday evening on the Mediterranean island of Gozo. The compact venue is expected to provide an intimate atmosphere for this European clash.