Women's World Cup star made to wear swimming cap after clash of heads

A leading concussion pressure group has criticised the Netherlands and FIFA after a Dutch star was allowed to continue playing whilst wearing a swimming cap at the Women's World Cup. Daniëlle van de Donk came off worse in a nasty head collision with the USWNT's Rose Lavelle in the 94th minute of the 1-1 Group E match in Wellington, New Zealand.

The 31-year-old midfielder remained on the floor for several minutes whilst she received treatment on the pitch. But after leaving the field, she was allowed to rejoin the action, wearing a black swimming cap for the final few minutes.

The rubber cap appeared to be in place to stem bleeding from her head.

The decision to allow Van de Donk to continue in the match prompted a response from the Concussion Legacy Foundation, which tweeted: "Netherlands medical staff cleared Danielle van de Donk to return as she bled from a tough head-to-head collision.

"This calls for a legitimate concussion evaluation. At least a temporary substitution. Not a swim cap and a pat on the back."

The Dutch star is not the first player to have continued in a match after a head injury whilst wearing a swimming cap. During Benfica's Champions League Round of 16 match against Ajax on February 23, 2022, Eagles defender Nicolas Otamendi also returned to the field of play in 'protective' headgear following a clash of heads.

Combative midfielder Van de Donk was never far from the action throughout the match and in an earlier flashpoint, had gone nose-to-nose with her Lyon club team-mate Lindsey Horan after the USA star was caught on the knee by her Dutch opponent after a full-blooded challenge.

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The flashpoint angered Horan, who was still fired up when she equalised shortly afterwards - ensuring that the USWNT did not lose at the Women's World Cup for the first time since 2011.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Horan said: “Me and Dan always go up against each other. It’s a physical battle. I respect her so much and that’s how it should be. In the moment I got a little p****d at her, but Rose (Lavelle) put in an absolute dime and I was able to get my head on it.”

The 1-1 draw leaves the USWNT top of Group E after two matches on four points, ahead of the Netherlands on goal difference only. Portugal are third in the group on three points and will face the USWNT in a decisive final group fixture next.