DOUBLE SALVO KNOCKED US FLAT, ADMITS WALES BOSS

RHIAN Wilkinson admitted the early second-half goal "definitely hurt" Wales during their 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their European Women's Championship opener.

- DYLAN JAMES Sports writer [e-mail]

Manchester City's Vivianne Miedema opened the scoring for the Dutch in first-half stoppage time before Victoria Pelova doubled their tally after the break in the 48th minute to put the tie beyond doubt.

Barcelona forward Esmee Brugts added the extras as Wales opened their first-ever appearance at a major women's tournament with a heavy loss.

"It was a tough game," Wales boss Wilkinson told the BBC.

"We know we're in a hard group but, equally, it's about Wales showing up and showing who we are as a team and a country.

"Getting into the half at 0-0 would have gone a long way.

"In the second half, that quick goal definitely hurt us."

Wales need to get points on the board against France in St Gallen on Wednesday if they are to progress from Group D.

They then face England in their final group game as they bid for silverware in Switzerland.

"We're going to have to grow and learn from this," added Wilkinson.

"We're looking forward to the next game now."

Wales failed to register a shot on target, and midfielder Jess Fishlock pointed towards Miedema's 100th international goal and Pelova's effort early in the second half as the turning points.

"To concede just before halftime and then so quickly after halftime, probably lapses of concentration and at this level, you switch off and you get punished," Fishlock told the BBC.