Sherida Spitse has to miss the Olympic football tournament. The 31-year-old midfielder of Ajax suffered a knee injury during training on Monday, which means that she will not be available for the team of national coach Sarina Wiegman in the coming weeks.
The 188-time record international of the the Dutch Lionesses is replaced in the Olympic selection by Joëlle Smits, who made the switch from PSV to VfL Wolfsburg this summer. Smits, together with ADO Den Haag keeper Barbara Lorsheyd, was one of the two standby players who would train with the player group in Japan until the first game.
And suddenly that big dream explodes in one… There are few words that can describe how unbelievably painful this hurts. Top sport is beautiful, but like today it can also be tough. Unfortunately, just before the Olympics start, I injured my knee. ?? pic.twitter.com/OY4sBt9Fxs
— Sherida Pointe (@SheridaPointe) July 20, 2021
“And suddenly that big dream shattered … There are few words that can describe how incredibly painful this hurts,” Spitse said on social media. “Top sport is beautiful, but like today it can also be tough. Unfortunately, just before the Olympic Games start, I injured my knee. I wish my TEAM a lot of success, happiness and all the strength I can give them. I believe in you! And much love to you!”
In the group stage of the Olympic football tournament, the Netherlands will successively meet Zambia (July 21, 1 p.m.), Brazil (July 24, 1 p.m.) and China (July 27, 1.30 p.m.). the Dutch is currently number four in the FIFA world ranking. Brazil is seventh, while China is number fifteen in the world and Zambia is currently in 104th place.
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