Netherlands U21’s defeated Portugal U21’s 4-2 in a European Championship qualifier thanks to three AZ Alkmaar talents.
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Myron Boadu made his first start for Jong Oranje up front, flanked by AZ teammate Calvin Stengs and Justin Kluivert.
After only eight minutes, Boadu got Jong Oranje off to a great start with a tap-in after being set up by Stengs. The 18-year-old nearly made it 2-0 but his shot went over the bar.
Just before the break, Portugal equalised with Diogo Queiro heading past Maarten Paes.
Five minutes into the second half, Netherlands were awarded a penalty for handball and AZ midfielder Teun Koopmeiners made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-1. However, Portugal were then awarded their own penalty for a foul by Owen Wijndal and Gedson Fernandes equalised.
After the goal, Erwin van de Looi brought on Cody Gakpo for Kluivert and the PSV attacker played a big role in the third Netherlands goal in the 84th minute. Gakpo found Stengs with a good pass and the AZ star then set up Boadu again for a tap-in.
The excellent Stengs then sealed the victory late on with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
Netherlands have now won their opening two games and can now prepare for a clash with Norway on Tuesday.
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Koopmeiners is underrated IMO bossed that midfield. Recovered & recycled moving play always good for Pen & got assist. Steng & Boadu link up so wel . How good will Boadu be by 20!!! AZ have the most fluid front 3 in league imo. And De Wit & Winjdal played too tho didn’t have as big impact as above
But AZ ran the U21s
And good win vs good Portugal!
Malen Boadu going to be great front 2 in future