The Netherlands took a big step towards qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ after a 3-0 home win over Switzerland in the first leg of their European zone qualification play-off final on Friday evening.

After a goalless first half at the Galgenwaard Stadium in Utrecht, the Dutch took control of the two-leg play-off with three goals after the break.

Sherida Spitse scored the match winner with a long-range free-kick on 49 minutes before Lieke Martens doubled the Netherlands’ advantage, as The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2017 finished off an incisive counter-attack.

Sarina Wiegman’s side ensured a three-goal cushion for next week’s trip to Switzerland, as Vivianne Miedema drove home a powerful right-foot shot with ten minutes remaining.

Friday’s result leaves the Swiss with a big job to overcome the aggregate deficit in the second leg at LIPO Park in Schaffhausen on Tuesday 13 November.