Emotional Young Lioness (19) Moved by Dream Night: 'That Means a Lot to Me'

Due to the absence of several experienced players, Van Asten suddenly found herself in contention for the squad. The Ajax defender was not only called up by national coach Veurink but also immediately handed a starting spot. "It's truly an indescribable dream debut," Van Asten beamed to Sportnieuws.nl. "I had set out to primarily show what I can do and play my own game, and that worked out pretty well," she said modestly.

The prodigious football talent not only kept the top French players in check but also proved decisive with the opening goal. "You start a match focused on your own tasks, but I certainly didn't expect to score the opening goal. I can't describe my emotion and feeling after the goal; I've never felt anything like it. I almost buckled with joy, but thankfully my teammates held me up," she laughed.

The smile never left her face all evening. It was a night she will never forget. What moment will she look back on in fifty years? "It would have to be the beginning: the catacombs, hearing your name, the national anthem, and then seeing your parents and family there," she recounted proudly. "That was truly amazing."

Shortly after her debut, she spoke briefly with her family before a group of journalists awaited her for her initial reactions. "They told me they are really, really proud of me. That means a lot to me. My day is made, but so is my family's. In fact, it has been ever since I was called up," she revealed.

After the interview, Van Asten quickly moved on. "I'm going to read all the messages. For now, it's just about smiling and enjoying, and then the focus will naturally shift to Saturday for the return leg against France," Van Asten continued. And how many times will she rewatch her goal? "I think I'll be sent it quite a few times too," she concluded with a laugh.