Vivianne Miedema recorded an unusual feat for her country – denying her partner a spot at the 2024 Olympics.
The Netherlands and Arsenal star helped her country secure a 4-0 win over Belgium in their Nations League clash on Tuesday, which meant England Women missed out on qualification for the Paris games by two goals.
The Lionesses had thrashed Scotland 6-0 on the same night but failed to top their group.
But as the Netherlands wildly celebrated qualifying, Miedema’s partner and Arsenal teammate Beth Mead was 600 miles away, unable to hold back her emotions as her country were knocked out.
The winger scored her first England goal since recovering from her ACL injury on the night, but a spot in the remaining Nations League fixtures and the Olympics wasn’t meant to be.
When asked about the prospect of returning home to her partner after Tuesday’s results, the WSL’s all-time top scorer Miedema admitted the pair had already discussed the possible outcomes.
Miedema, the WSL’s record scorer said she joked with Mead before saying parting for international duty that she is more disappointed when they reunite.
Speaking to Dutch outlet NU, she said: “I think that when I come home on Thursday, it will be quite quiet in the house. From the moment you know that you are in the same group, you know that someone will sit at home disappointed in the summer.
“Of course, it can also be that way, that we are both at home.”
Despite coming out on top, Miedema’s mind went straight to her partner after the final whistle.
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Miedema texted her partner to express pride in her scoring for the first time since her return from injury and the fact that she made the starting line-up.
Mead ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in November last year, causing her to miss the 2023 Women’s World Cup that saw England finish as runners up, as well as the rest of Arsenal’s season.
Miedema also suffered an injury to her ACL the month after, meaning both her and Mead were sidelined together for months.
Both players are now back starring for Arsenal in the WSL this season, with the Gunners sitting second in the league, three points off top of the table Chelsea.
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