The experienced midfielder, playing for Lyon, expressed her incomprehension at not being selected from the start. When asked about this, coach Andries Jonker appeared irritated: Due to van de Donk's groin problems, it had been agreed that she would only be able to play for 20 to 25 minutes at most.

The 33-year-old is not considered a player who quickly rebels when faced with problems. Her public criticism of Jonker was therefore perceived in the Dutch media as a clear vote of no confidence and fueled a long-standing debate – namely, that Jonker has become a "lame duck."