"Three Nations, One Goal" friendly matches by joint candidates

Our players will face the Netherlands at the Oud-Heverlee Leuven stadium on Thursday 18 February and will play a match against Germany in Aachen on Sunday 21 February.
​​
​The Dutch players will face their German counterparts on Wednesday 24 February.
​​
​All conditions related to health and safety will be guaranteed. In addition to the tests that will be carried out before each match, it is worth noting that our three participating teams will only travel to play their match and will return to their country immediately afterwards.
​​
​Symbolic step
​These matches serve as a symbolic step in the framework of the joint bid of our three countries to organise the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and is called "Three Nations, One Goal".
​​
​At this time of year, our national women's teams usually go to more distant countries to play matches, but the current health situation has changed this. The excellent relationship between our three federations has enabled us to quickly find a common ground to organise these three matches under the best conditions. It also proves that the candidacy of our three countries to organise the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup is a project that is not only ambitious, but also rests on solid foundations.
​​
​Competitive opportunity
​In addition to the symbolic aspect inherent in our joint candidacy, these friendly matches are also an excellent opportunity for our team, as the head coach of our Red Flames, Ives Serneels, explains: "I am delighted to be able to face these two top nations, as Germany is in second place in the FIFA World Ranking, while the Netherlands is in fourth place. Our aim is to prepare in the best way possible for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying matches and for the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Championship and we could not ask for better opponents. Also, the short distances will allow us to make quick round trips, which is a real advantage, even more in the context of the health crisis we are experiencing."
​​
​Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, head coach of the German women’s national team, shares the same enthusiasm: "For us, this tournament is an ideal start to the new international season in several respects. In both games we will be challenged on all levels, and that's exactly why such matches are so vital for our further development. Because even against opponents of this calibre, we aim for our young side to confidently implement our match philosophy. In addition, this tournament is a great joint statement for our bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. We want to clearly underline, once again, our ambition to host this important project, which will give women's football in our countries an enormous boost. Last but not least, the short distances between the venues will ensure that the logistical effort and travel are kept to a minimum." ​
​​
​"First of all, I’d like to say that we feel so privileged to play matches in these uncertain times. For me, this trilogy with our dear neighbors shows how you - together - can still make the best out of something by being creative and flexible. Not only from a competitive perspective, but also with an eye on what is currently going on in the world. All three teams will play matches against two strong and appealing opponents, while staying close to home. Being second on the FIFA ranking means Germany is a world-class team. And Belgium is always a strong side, having also qualified for the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Championship, and for us traditionally a very though team to play against. All in all, this is a very good kick-off for our Olympic campaign", Sarina Wiegman, head coach of the Dutch women’s national team, added.
​​
​Match schedule
​18.02.2021: Belgium v Netherlands (Leuven, kick-off at 20:00)
​21.02.2021: Germany v Belgium (Aachen, kick-off tbc)
​24.02.2021: Netherlands v Germany (Venlo, kick-off at 18:30)