A PIECE OF HISTORY FOR WALES BUT NO FAIRYTALE

WALES made history, but were beaten 3-0 by Netherlands in their first-ever appearance at a major women's tournament.

- DYLAN JAMES Sports writer [e-mail]

Cymru showed glimpses of real quality and attacking intent, but fell victim to a fearsome Dutch performance.

The setting was perfect in Lucerne, with the fans marching to the stadium together in a show of unity. Welsh songs and chants reverberated around the Swiss streets, ramping up the anticipation, which spilled into the ground.

A fine rendition of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau got the players psyched up ahead of kickoff.

Rhian Wilkinson's side soaked up a significant amount of Dutch pressure in the opening exchanges and it was a short while before they grew into the game.

Oranje Leeuwinnen held possession well, but were unable to penetrate the Welsh defensive line for much of the first half, thanks to regular interventions from defender Gemma Evans.

Netherlands came incredibly close to breaking the deadlock on 37 minutes, with Jill Roord firing a rocket towards the top corner, before it crashed off the upright and away from the goal.