The Netherlands will not be participating in the Nations League final after going down 4-2 to Croatia in extra time. The game finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.
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After the disappointing performances in the last international period, Ronald Koeman decided to begin with Lutsharel Geertruida in defence, while Mats Wieffer and Teun Koopmeiners partnered Frenkie de Jong in midfield. Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen partnered Cody Gakpo in attack.
The game was intense but chances were far and few between in the early stages. The first big opportunity fell to the Netherlands when Koopmeiners got in on goal but he fired over.
Then in the 34th minute, a good team move ended with Wieffer setting up Malen to fire in the opening goal.
Croatia then took control and in the 54th minute, Gakpo miscontrolled the ball and then tugged back Luka Modric to gift the visitors a penalty. Andrej Kramaric made no mistake to make it 1-1.
Croatia remained on top and Mario Pasalic fired them ahead in the 72nd minute after the Netherlands defence stood static from a cross.
Koeman brought on Wout Weghorst, Gini Wijnaldum, Steven Bergwijn and Noa Lang as they went for the equaliser. Nothing worked until the 96th minute. A scramble in the box led to Lang lashing the ball into the top corner.
Extra-time saw Croatia regain control and Bruno Petkovic was left unchallenged to lash home to make it 3-2. It should have been 3-3 shortly afterwards but Bergwijn was denied by the Croatian keeper before Lang put the rebound wide.
Koeman went kamikaze for the second half of extra time and through Virgil van Dijk up front. De Jong and Marten de Roon was the centre-back duo. It did not work and Croatia poured forward into the gaps.
Tyrell Malacia gave away a penalty and the excellent Luka Modric made it 4-2. There was then chances for a fifth but the offside flag came to the Netherlands rescue.
There will be no trophy for the Netherlands and instead they will battle for the 3rd place playoff against either Spain or Italy on Sunday.
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Oranje football is DEAD. It died of INCOMPETENCE AT ALL LEVELS. The Federation is incompetent, the coaches are inconpetent and the Dutch are no longer producing world class players. The Eredivisie is a second class league like it used to be until the 1970. Ronald Koeman was a world class player, BUT A MEDIOCRE COACH. Even after they scored the first goal it was clear Croatia was playing FOOTBALL. The Oranje midfield did not exist, De Jong, Wieffer and Koopmeiners never CONNECTED, THEY WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE. It was a DISGRACE.
Maybe it’s best they don’t show up for game 3rd place.
Holland always struggle with Italy when playing in Holland. And Spain is going to beat Holland for payback. Just forfeit Holland. Save the fans the humiliation.
Koeman was a great player but he is not a good manager. He uses Geertruida as CB, but whole year he played in Feyenoord as a RB..Koeman done same mistake in France match. We have Timber and Botman also. But he not use them. Why he not included Frimpong! Why Justin bijlow? Mark Fleken is presently better than bijlow. From beginning of 2 nd half, Croatia control the game. Koeman have no plans to re control the match. It’s my view, Terminate koeman as soon as possible.. Bring again van gaal Or Pep Guardiola. Pep always Consider he is product of Dutch Total system. So bring him in Netherlands..
Van gaal has retired for good. It would be a miracle if Pep wants to be Oranje coach but I don’t think KNVB can afford Pep salary haha..
Arsene Wenger wanted the job.
Give him the chance.
Try play 5 defender + 2 Holding Midfield, 2 winger and 1 Weghorst; Long ball for 90 min and hope for the best. LOL..