After their successful Euro 2009 where they reached the semi-final, the Dutch women were eager to participate in the World Cup in their neighboring country. In March 2010 Roger Reijners took over as the national team coach from Vera Pauw, who had coached the Dutch since 2004, and was fired over differences with the association's leadership. At the draw for qualification they were tied with former World Champion Norway again. Other opponents were Belarus, Slovakia and Macedonia. The Dutch started their campaign with a 0–3 loss in Norway. They followed up with the 13–1 against Macedonia, one of their two highest international wins, but also a 1–1 against Belarus. All subsequent matches were won, except for the home game against Norway, which ended in a 2–2 draw. In the end it was only enough for second place behind Norway, which prevailed in the play-off round of the group winners against the Ukraine.