Behind scorer Vivianne Miedema, Dutch women arrive at first World Cup

After decades of the Dutch men making deep runs in the World Cup, the women are finally joining them on the sport's biggest stage.

Playing a fluid style that is similar to the men's trademark, the Netherlands is a rising power in Europe. The Dutch may have bowed out of the 2013 European Championship after the group stage, but had improved enough to finish as the best of the group runners-up, along with Italy, in World Cup qualifying. This is the Dutch women's first appearance at the World Cup, and the experience should only make them better in years to come.

KEY PLAYERS

Vivianne Miedema, forward. Led all scorers in European qualifying with a whopping 16 goals, including a hat trick against Portugal in a 15-minute span. Did we mention she's only 18?

Manon Melis, forward. She can score, but her veteran experience could be more valuable as the Dutch play in their first World Cup.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Coach: Roger Reijners

How they qualified: Beat Italy in European playoff.

Number of appearances: 1

Best result: First appearance

FIFA World Ranking: No. 12

Fast Fact: The Netherlands will host the European Women's Championship for the first time in 2017.

SCHEDULE

June 6: 9 p.m., New Zealand, Edmonton

June 11: 6 p.m., China, Edmonton

June 15: 7:30 p.m., Canada, Montreal