40-year-old played two European Championships and one World Championship and managed 87 international matches for the Netherlands. In Damallsvenskan, she played for both Tyresö and Rosengård. Since last year, Kirsten van de Ven has been the sports manager for Elitfotboll Dam, the Swedish elite clubs' interest organization.
When she talks football, she knows what she's talking about. But doing it in front of a million audience is a completely different thing. Hence the mixture of fear and delight she expresses.
”We are quite straightforward and honest”
Kirsten van de Ven states that she is not soft and restrained with criticism.
I am Dutch. We are quite straightforward and honest, but I am not one who criticizes people. I do not think it contributes to anything. As an old player, I understand why things happen. This will be different, but fun. I hope I can contribute with my background and international experience.
Football on the women's side has had an enormous development – in all ways – since Kirsten van de Ven made her debut for the Netherlands in 2004.
When I started playing in the national team, you got 125 kronor in daily allowance. Everything has become so much more professional, she says.
So too what happens on the pitch.
One can see from the data that there are many more high-speed runs. Actually, all phases of the game have developed a lot.
Impressed by Spain
Kirsten van de Ven is impressed by the world champions in Spain.
Just that they can leave Jenni Hermoso out of the squad because they think they have better players says a lot about the team they have. They will be strong.
Your gold favorite?
Yes, I think so. If England gets it together, it will be an incredibly good team, but Germany is also strong.
Sweden?
I really think Sweden has a big chance. In some way, they often get it together at a championship. I trust that they will do it again, but it must work out. Is Fridolina Rolfö healthy or not? It's a pretty big difference.
How will it be for you if Sweden meets the Netherlands?
Then I hope the best team wins. It's the best for women's football. I cheer for both, says Kirsten van de Ven and laughs.
Johanna Frisk and Pär Lagerström are Viaplay's other European Championship experts.
Program leaders are Frida Nordstrand and Richard Henriksson. Claes Andersson, Lars Sandberg, and Axel Olsson commentate, and Suzanne Westergren is a reporter on site in Switzerland.
Viaplay and SVT share the broadcasts from the World Championship.
Henrik Skiöld/TT
Facts: European Championship in football 2025
TT
Date: 2–27 July.
Host nation: Switzerland.
Number of teams: 16.
Setup: Four groups with four teams – top two in each group go to the quarterfinals.
Groups:
Group A: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland
Group B: Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain
Group C: Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Germany
Group D: England, France, the Netherlands, Wales
Arenas: Eight arenas in eight cities – Basel, Bern, Zürich, Geneva, St Gallen, Lucerne, Sion, and Thun.
Sweden's matches:
4 July: Denmark–Sweden, Stade de Genève, Geneva (18.00)
8 July: Poland–Sweden, Swissporarena, Lucerne (21.00)
12 July: Sweden–Germany, Letzigrundstadion, Zürich (21.00) Sweden's preparation for the European Championship:
23 June: European Championship camp starts in Åhus.
26 June: Rehearsal against Norway in Oslo.
