A sensational performance saw Netherlands comfortably down World Cup winners France in De Kuip. The result relegates Germany from the Nations League.
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Ronald Koeman decided to name the same eleven that defeated Germany last month with Denzel Dumfries once again at right-back, while Steven Bergwijn started up front alongside Memphis Depay and Ryan Babel.
Netherlands made a bright start with Georginio Wijnaldum forcing Hugo Lloris into a great save within minutes. Oranje then dominated possession but came up against a defensive wall from France.
The visitors looked to soak up Netherlands pressure and hit on the counter which nearly worked but Antoine Griezmann’s header was straight at Jasper Cillessen before Benjamin Pavard sent a fizzing effort just over the bar.
Just as it seemed we were heading for a goalless first half, Steve Nzonzi directed a header back into his box and to a free Babel. The forward saw his strike kept out by Lloris but Wijnaldum was on hand to net the rebound.
In the second half, Netherlands were excellent as they drove constantly at France’s defence and a number of chances were created. Dumfries tested Lloris twice, while Memphis saw a free-kick tipped just wide. At the other end, France could not trouble Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt, who dealt well with Griezmann and Mbappe throughout.
Late into injury time, the excellent Frenkie de Jong was brought down in the box and Memphis sealed the win with a cheeky Panenka penalty.
The victory means Netherlands can safely start planning for the Euro 2022 qualifiers as one of the top seeds and can win the group on Monday if they draw or beat Germany. What a night for Oranje at De Kuip!
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Well played Holland. Congrats to scorers Gini and Memphis.
Wow, what a fantastic performance! The 1st goal was fortunate but France rarely threatened other than a 10 minute spell in each half.
Back 4 were superb – De Ligt and Dumfries in particular deserve credit for shutting down Mbappe. Midfield was also excellent, lost count of the number of times all 3 disrupted play and picked off balls in the 2nd half. Wijnaldum is a completely different player from what we saw when he played with Strootman and Klaassen 2 years ago.
Memphis has become such a leader on the pitch – constant thorn in France’s side and could easily have had more than a goal if not for Lloris.
Koeman has done an outstanding job – this team oozes confidence and togetherness. Getting a point against Germany would be gravy, but this has already been a fantastic start to his regime. Finally something to look forward to after 4 years of frustration!
Feeling 20 years younger after watching this match. The last time Dutch had such a dominant performance was in the late 90s.
I have read this site for some time now, and I must admit that it is good to see Netherlands winning again.
Ronald Koeman blew new life in the Dutch squad, newbee’s with young superstars mixed with Dutch opportunistic pitch play, promises a brand new wave of Orange supporters!
Well Done all involved!
After 4 years of pain.. summer in the sea where evrebody watch turnaments(euro or world cup)drink bears and celebrate ther country victorys i put my head down beacuse holland didnt play in this turnaments..now is PAYBACK time we have strong team and can beat all teams..we are great again glory is back..thank you mister koeman???
Fernandino, Stones, La Porte; Casemiro, Ramos, Verane are two of the best.
But soon enough it looks like De Jong, Van Dijk and De Ligt will become the best defensive axis in world football.
Wow!
What a game! so happy to see the team dominating all the 90 min aginst france the performance was exceptional .. bergwijn, de roon and dumfries are going to book thier places in the starting 11 i think koeman now has the best eleven to start with after trying most of the players … man Dumfries btw is an absolute Tank
and at last thank you Mr. Koeman for making us enjoying the dutch team again