A single Memphis Depay goal was enough to secure Netherlands a hard fought 1-0 win in Scotland.

Dick Advocaat lined up as expected in Aberdeen with Ryan Babel playing through the middle of an attacking containing Quincy Promes and Memphis Depay, while Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Nathan Ake were at full-back. The middle of the pitch was occupied by trusted trio Georginio Wijnaldum, Kevin Strooman and Daley Blind.

Scotland named a number of debutantes in their starting line-up and eager to impress they began brightly with Daley Blind having to block a strike by Matt Phillips before James Forrest’s effort on the rebound was blocked by Nathan Ake. Phillips then got a great chance after indecision in the Oranje defence, but his effort was kept out by Jasper Cillessen.

At the other end, Daley Blind shot harmlessly wide before Memphis Depay forced Craig Gordon into a simple save with a powerless strike. Netherlands struggled going forward, but just before the break a swift counter-attack ended with Ryan Babel crossing for Memphis to tap-in the opening goal. Scotland has a right to be annoyed by the goal with Memphis and Babel possibly offside in the build-up.

After the break, Netherlands controlled possession but it was Scotland who got the chances with Cillessen forced into a good save to deny Callum McGregor, while Ryan Fraser shot just wide after bursting in on goal.

Steven Berghuis and Joel Veltman came off the bench late on for Oranje, who held on for a slim victory, which is their fourth in a row. Next up for Netherlands is a tie with Romania on Tuesday in what will be the final game of 2017 and Dick Advocaat’s farewell as Oranje boss.




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