Pien Sanders retires from Dutch national hockey team

◆5 sources

Pien Sanders, 28, retired from the Dutch national hockey hockey team after ten years as an international. The defender announced her decision on social media and remains active for Den Bosch.

A single report said Sanders made 169 appearances for the Netherlands, won two Olympic gold medals, one world title and four European titles, and played in the World Cup final two months earlier. It also reported that she had begun doubting after the 2025 European Championship and said her motivation had gradually diminished.

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Netherlands reach final round of Women’s World Cup qualifying playoffs

15 sources

The Netherlands women’s team advanced to the final round of the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying playoffs after beating Hungary 8-0 away and 3-0 at home in Tilburg, winning 11-0 on aggregate. Esmee Brugts, Lineth Beerensteyn and Damaris Egurrola scored in the home match; Isa Cardinal made her international debut as a substitute. Daniëlle van de Donk played her 175th international in the first leg. Slovenia will be the Netherlands’ opponent in the decisive two-leg playoff tie, to be played during the international window from 26 November to 5 December. The winner will qualify for the World Cup in Brazil.