Disappointed Wales fans look to next game after defeat

Wales held their own for the majority of the first half but a strike from Dutch captain Vivianne Miedema meant Wales lost their opening match

It was a game many waited a lifetime for, with fans watching with nervousness and excitement as Wales played at their first ever major women's tournament.

But they now have their sights set on the next match, as the team lost 3-0 on their Euros debut.

The Wales squad started their Euro 2025 campaign against the Netherlands in Lucerne on Saturday.

The team held their own for the majority of the first 45 minutes, and were going to hold the 2017 champions to a goalless first half, but a strike from Dutch captain Vivianne Miedema meant that wasn't to be.

Rhian Wilkinson's side are back in action on Wednesday night against France.

Thousands of fans travelled to Switzerland, with an estimated 3,800 Welsh supporters watching at the Allmend Stadium. Many more headed to pubs and fan zones back home.

Wales' women made history after reaching a major women's tournament for the first time in December last year.

It follows a journey that saw the national team not formally recognised by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) until 1993.

Officials are now predicting an explosion in the women's game in Wales, while vowing to capitalise on the landmark moment with the side's largest ever television audience predicted for the game against the Dutch.

First minister Eluned Morgan was in attendance as Wales faced the 2017 European champions.

Earlier this week she summed up her feelings in a message on social media containing an image of her playing football in her younger days.

"I was once a young girl who loved to play football, so I know the heart, dedication and passion you've put in to get here," she said.

Libby Stott and Nicole Power say they were disappointed with the result

Speaking after the game Libby Stott, 21, from Wigan, said the result was "disappointing" but it was good that Wales had made the tournament.

On Wales' chances of progressing from the group stages Libby said: "They've got some difficult teams. It will be difficult, but I don't know, hopefully.

"They are the underdogs."

Nicole Power, 21, from Liverpool, believed that Wales would still get through.

"I did believe that they were going to be the underdogs today."

Emma, 27, and Tom, 30, both from Cardiff, said it was their first tournament and they were happy to be there supporting the team.

"I am disappointed but I'm so proud of the girls and the performance was really, really battling. I had a great time so it could be worse," said Tom.

Emma and Tom say they were enjoying Wales being in the tournament, and were not thinking about if Wales could make it out of Group D's so-called "group of death"

Will Davies, 48, from Cardiff, attended the match with his son, Ieun Davies, 13.

"The girls gave everything today. They're putting a good performance, but Netherlands are a good team and I think we struggled a little bit after the goal went in, just before half time," said Will.

FAW officials say they had been told Wales are expected to have more fans in Switzerland than all bar three other nations taking part in the 16-team tournament.

Mother and daughter Eleri and Carys Gittins travelled from mid Wales to watch the match.

Eleri said: "I'm just proud, proud to be here and see Wales play.

Carys said: "It is a shame [that they lost] but obviously there is still a good vibe, good atmosphere around.

"It is always disappointing to lose. We're very honoured and proud we made it and proud of the girls who have worked very hard.

Carys added if Wales do not get out of the groups it "was OK" because they have done enough to get here.

Eleri said it was amazing to be in Switzerland supporting Wales

Alyson Jane, Hannah Jones and Chester, the dog, watched the game in Colwyn bay, Conwy. Hannah said it was "a little heart-breaking" Wales did not score.

"I feel the game went well in first half with a lot of shots on target and we had a fair few chances.

"But we go again and hopefully see Sophie have some minutes," added Hannah.

Hannah Jones said it was "a little heart-breaking" Wales didn't score

Jenny Eos, 30, from Cardiff, said despite a disappointing score, "our girls did us proud from beginning to end".

"The Welsh story is one of endurance, and whether it was the Red Wall carrying the anthem up until the last moment, or the team pushing at every opening and punching above their weight, we endured so much just to get there and play," she said.

Jenny Eos said despite a disappointing score "our girls did us proud from beginning to end"

Lee and Rachel James from Neath said they were "disappointed" but Wales "did what they could do".

Lee said: "We just didn't show up today, didn't show our real selves. If we beat France we can make it out. I'm waiting for England, bring it on."

Rachel added: "It's outstanding that we're here what an achievement for the girls.

"They didn't win today but it doesn't mean they won't in future, hopefully they inspire young girls."

Lee and Rachel said the girls making the tournament will hopefully inspire young girls

62-year-old Borris from Ebbw Vale, and 54-year-old Neil from Llanberis said despite the result, the team can "take the experience away".

"We're playing teams way better than us in the rankings," said Neil.

Borris said he was "very proud of the team", adding "that's why we're here".

Wales held their own for the majority of the first half but were defeated 3-0 by the Netherlands.

Kirsty, 36, watched the game at her home in the Swansea valley, along with Sam, 41, Bobby, 7, Oskar, 5 and three-year-old Jesse.

She said: "We were gutted to see Wales lose their opening match, especially after such a strong first half.

"We're all still so proud of Cymru women for getting this far and look forward to cheering them on for their next match."

Kirsty said the boys went to bed "emotional" after Wales lost their opening match

Isabelle, 12, from the Rhondda said she was very excited and couldn't wait to watch along with the fans.

Along with her dad Leon, 44, they had never been abroad to watch them but have been to every single home game.

She said it was "massive for women's football".

Isabelle travelled with her dad, Leon, to see the match.

Olivia, 16, was in Switzerland with her dad Lyndon and mum Nichola. She said her family were there "to support them, to encourage them and to make them feel more motivated to do well in the tournament".

Olivia, who plays football, believes Wales' involvement in the tournament will have an impact on domestic football.

"It will encourage people to play, to come and support them and watch the game," she added.