The Netherlands’ women’s team will play in next year’s European Championships in Switzerland after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Norway.

The Leeuwinnen needed to avoid defeat in Bergen to take one of the top two spots in their qualifying group.

But Norway had the best chances in the first half and took the lead after 61 minutes when Caroline Graham Hansen pounced on a loose ball after the Dutch failed to clear a corner.

Oranje coach Andries Jonker brought on Lynn Wilms and Katje Snoeijs to bolster the attack, and with 10 minutes to go Vivianne Miedema headed in a cross from Chasity Grant for the crucial equaliser.

“This goal is really special,” Miedema said after the final whistle after her first strike for the national team since September 2022, following 18 months on the sidelines recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. “I’ve worked a long time towards this period and I think I can be very proud of myself.”

Italy finished top of the group after beating Finland 4-0 in Bolzano on Tuesday to qualify along with the Netherlands. Reigning champions England, France, Germany, Denmark, Iceland and World Cup winners Spain have also qualified.