After making her World Cup debut for the Dutch national team against Portugal, 19 year-old Esmee Brugts returned to the starting lineup in the second group stage match against the US women’s national team.
But the mentality changed when preparing to face the reigning champions, as Brugts admitted to the gravity of playing vs. athletes she grew up admiring.
“My mentality was just not to be scared. Of course, they are role models for everyone, even for me when I watched the 2019 World Cup final. They have always been great. They've been the best, so I have to just play my own game because I'm here with the national team of Netherlands. I just had to play my game,” she said to 90min.
And she did just that. The player quickly inserted herself into the match, wasting no time pushing forward into the final third to propel the Oranje Leeuwinnen to the first goal. Brugts then saw an opportunity of her own in the second half, just narrowly missing the goal after fending off Naomi Girma, Andi Sullivan and Crystal Dunn to reach the box.
Though Lindsey Horan eventually found the dramatic equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw, Brugts maintained the team can be proud of the point.
“I'm very proud of myself that I survived today that I played at 19 years old. But the most important thing for us today is we got a point, it's a big one for us against the biggest team in the world ranked number one,” she added.
“I think we can be very proud of how we did today.”
The Netherlands currently sit in second place of Group E, tied with the USWNT on points but two behind in goal difference. Brugts and the Dutch team must now go on to win against Vietnam in their last group stage match to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
READ MORE ON THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
But the player is no stranger to these high-pressure situations, forming an integral part of the iconic match that earned the Oranje Leeuwinnen a spot in the 2023 edition of the international competition.
On September 6, 2022, in the UEFA World Cup qualifier against Iceland, Brugts came off the bench in the 66th minute, to replace Renate Jansen. The winner earned a direct ticket to the World Cup, everything was on the line.
In the third minute of added time, Brugts connected with teammate Kerstin Casparij to send the ball into the back of the net to score the lone, game-winning goal.
“My favorite moment on the field was when we qualified for the World Cup. My cross ended up in the net, and the whole stadium exploded. Everyone was so happy, and of course relieved because we deserved it so much. That has been one of my best moments so far playing this sport, I enjoyed it the most.”
The stage is set for her to be a hero for her nation once again.
This article was originally published on 90min as Esmee Brugts 'proud' to earn a draw against USWNT.