- Jackie Groenen erzielte das Tor, das die Niederlande erstmals ins WM-Finale katapultiert
- Die Mittelfeldspielerin hatte bis dahin keinen einzigen platzierten Torschuss im Turnier
- Groenens Karriere hätte auch ganz anders verlaufen können
Von Emma Coolen, Teamreporterin Niederlande
Wer wäre eine geeignete Schauspielerin, um Jackie Groenen in einem Film über ihr Leben darzustellen? Es ist an der Zeit, darüber nachzudenken, denn ihre Geschichte liest sich wie ein klassisches Märchen zum Thema, was möglich ist, wenn man an seine Träume glaubt.
Groenen war nicht nur eine vielversprechende Fussballerin, sondern auch niederländische Jugend-Judomeisterin. Es kam der Zeitpunkt, an dem sie sich für eine ihrer beiden Lieblingssportarten entscheiden musste. Schließlich setzte Groenen alles auf ihre Fussballkarriere – und diese Entscheidung erwies sich spätestens gestern als überaus bedeutsam.
Die Mittelfeldspielerin tritt nicht eben oft als Torschützin in Erscheinung. Tatsächlich hatte die 24-Jährige in ihren bisherigen 52 Länderspielen nur zwei Tore erzielt. Bei der FIFA Frauen-Weltmeisterschaft Frankreich 2019™ hatte sie bis zum gestrigen Halbfinale noch kein einziges Mal aufs Tor geschossen.
Doch am Mittwoch gelang Groenen in der Verlängerung der Partie der entscheidende Treffer gegen Schweden. Mit ihrem perfekt platzierten Schuss katapultierte sie die Niederlande erstmals ins Finale einer FIFA Frauen-Weltmeisterschaft™, in dem sie am Sonntag auf Titelverteidiger USA treffen.
Die in Tilburg geborene Mittelfeldspielerin, die im Team wegen ihrer positiven Grundeinstellung und stets guten Laune beliebt ist, konnte nach dem Spiel gar nicht aufhören, zu lächeln. "Ja, das ist ein tolles Gefühl", sagte sie mit einem breiten Grinsen auf die Frage nach ihrer Verfassung nach diesem historischen Tor.
"Um ganz ehrlich zu sein, ist es mir allerdings ziemlich egal, wer nun tatsächlich das Tor schießt, das uns ins WM-Finale bringt, solange es irgendjemandem gelingt. Ich fühle mich sehr geehrt, dieses Trikot zu tragen und freue mich jedes Mal, wenn ich die Gelegenheit dazu habe."
Dabei hätte Groenen durchaus auch einen anderen Weg einschlagen können. Denn sie wuchs in Poppel auf der anderen Seite der Grenze zu Belgien auf und hätte sich auch für das Nachbarland entscheiden können.
Damals hätte sie sich ganz sicher nicht träumen lassen, dass sie eines Tages das Tor erzielen würde, das ihr Land ins WM-Finale bringt. "Heute wurde deutlich, was möglich ist, wenn man große Träume wagt", so Groenen gegenüber FIFA.com. "Das ist ja absolut surreal."
Frankreich 2019: Niederlande - Schweden
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![Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates with teammates after scoring]()
Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates with teammates after scoring
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal]()
Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
© Getty Images
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![Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team's first goal]()
Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team's first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal]()
Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
© Getty Images
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![Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden fails to save as Jackie Groenen]()
Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden fails to save as Jackie Groenen
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden fails to save as Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands (not pictured) scores Netherlands' first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal]()
Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands scores her team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team's first goal]()
Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team's first goal
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring her team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands punches the ball clear]()
Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands punches the ball clear
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands punches the ball clear during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save]()
Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
© Getty Images
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![Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save]()
Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save]()
Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Kosovare Asllani of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen]()
Kosovare Asllani of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Kosovare Asllani of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen of the Netherlands and Sherida Spitse of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save]()
Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden makes a save during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands is challenged by Caroline Seger]()
Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands is challenged by Caroline Seger
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands is challenged by Caroline Seger of Sweden and Magdalena Eriksson of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Danielle Van De Donk of the Netherlands is challenged by Elin Rubensson and Sofia Jakobsson]()
Danielle Van De Donk of the Netherlands is challenged by Elin Rubensson and Sofia Jakobsson
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Danielle Van De Donk of the Netherlands is challenged by Elin Rubensson and Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
© Getty Images
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![Nilla Fischer of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt]()
Nilla Fischer of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Nilla Fischer of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Hanna Glas of Sweden is challenged by Lieke Martens]()
Hanna Glas of Sweden is challenged by Lieke Martens
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Hanna Glas of Sweden is challenged by Lieke Martens of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Desiree Van Lunteren of the Netherland is challenged by Lina Hurtig]()
Desiree Van Lunteren of the Netherland is challenged by Lina Hurtig
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Desiree Van Lunteren of the Netherland is challenged by Lina Hurtig of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands collides with Elin Rubensson]()
Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands collides with Elin Rubensson
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Jackie Groenen of the Netherlands collides with Elin Rubensson of Sweden during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Stina Blackstenius of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt]()
Stina Blackstenius of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Stina Blackstenius of Sweden is challenged by Stefanie Van der Gragt of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen]()
Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Sofia Jakobsson of Sweden is challenged by Merel Van Dongen of the Netherlands during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![General view inside the stadium during the match between Netherlands and Sweden]()
General view inside the stadium during the match between Netherlands and Sweden
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: General view inside the stadium during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images )
© Getty Images
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![General view inside the stadium as the Netherlands and Sweden players line up]()
General view inside the stadium as the Netherlands and Sweden players line up
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: General view inside the stadium as the Netherlands and Sweden players line up for the national anthem prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands speaks to her teammtaes]()
Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands speaks to her teammtaes
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Sari Van Weenendaal of the Netherlands speaks to her teammtaes during a team huddle prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Sweden players warm up]()
Sweden players warm up
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Sweden players warm up prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Renate Jansen of the Netherlands warms up]()
Renate Jansen of the Netherlands warms up
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Renate Jansen of the Netherlands warms up prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Dominique Bloodworth of the Netherlands arrives at the stadium]()
Dominique Bloodworth of the Netherlands arrives at the stadium
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Dominique Bloodworth of the Netherlands arrives at the stadium prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![General view inside the Sweden dressing room]()
General view inside the Sweden dressing room
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: General view inside the Sweden dressing room prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![General view inside the Netherlands dressing room]()
General view inside the Netherlands dressing room
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: General view inside the Netherlands dressing room prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Zecira Musovic of Sweden arrives at the stadium]()
Zecira Musovic of Sweden arrives at the stadium
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: Zecira Musovic of Sweden arrives at the stadium prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![A detailed view of the match ball prior the match between Netherlands and Sweden]()
A detailed view of the match ball prior the match between Netherlands and Sweden
03 Jul 2019
LYON, FRANCE - JULY 03: A detailed view of the match ball is seen prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Semi Final match between Netherlands and Sweden at Stade de Lyon on July 03, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Die vergangenen vier Jahre der Oranjeleeuwinnen lassen sich nur als herausragend charakterisieren. Bei der FIFA Frauen-WM Kanada 2015™ waren die Niederländerinnen erstmals bei einer WM-Endrunde dabei, nachdem sie sich in einer Playoff-Runde mit vier Teams knapp den letzten Startplatz sichern konnten. Zwei Jahre später feierten sie im eigenen Land den fast unglaublichen Titelgewinn bei der UEFA EURO der Frauen, nachdem sie zuvor erst zwei Mal am Turnier teilgenommen hatten.
Sie gehen am Sonntag in Lyon zwar als Außenseiter in das Finale gegen Titelverteidiger USA, doch an Selbstvertrauen wird es dem Team sicher nicht mangeln.
Was macht dieses Team so besonders? "Wir spielen mit viel Selbstvertrauen und schenken uns gegenseitig Vertrauen", so Groenen. "Das ist einfach ein großartiges Gefühl."
