Netherlands lost for the first time since 2012 as they were simply outclassed by France in a 2-0 defeat in Paris.
- By Michael Bell
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Straight from the kick off in the Stade de France, the home side were on top, closing down the Dutch at every opportunity, and forcing mistakes with their pressure high up the pitch.
France should have been ahead just after 10 minutes, when Karim Benzema headed towards goal from six yards, luckily for Netherlands Ron Vlaar was on the line to clear.
Netherlands best opportunity in the first half hour fell to Robin van Persie, who’s volley from inside the box was punched away by Hugo Lloris, and the rebound was fired over by Vlaar.
Then on 32 minutes the first goal came, as an angled ball found Karim Benzema on the right hand side of the box, and the in form Real Madrid striker smashed the ball through Jasper Cillessen.
Before half time it was 2-0, as a swift counter attack ended with Mathieu Valbuena sending over a cross for Blaise Matuidi to acrobatically back heel the ball past Cillessen at the back post.
The second half saw substitutions take the momentum out of the game, and chances were few and far between. French defender Raphael Varane should have made it 3-0 before the end, but his free header could not beat Cillessen.
Overall a disappointing way for the Dutch to lose their unbeaten record, and if not for poor finishing by France it could have been much worse for Louis van Gaals side. With less than 100 days until the World Cup starts, the Dutch coach has a lot to contemplate before the Oranje face Spain in Brazil.
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Why isn’t Tim Krul in goal? LVG has not built a team he has just kept changing players even through qualification. He doesn’t even know his best XI. Orange will be out after group stages again. The Dutch have not improved from their reliance on their DBacks to constantly move the ball. There is no midfield play. They look lost.The team has ZERO pace and moves the ball far to slow. France pressured them and they PANICKED.
still wondering how Hunter is being ignored by Louis. Think it was easiest of touches by Matuidi as there was no pressure on him from the two of our defenders leaving him with wide space,while I thought we could have not conceded the first too. But it was just a friendly, wasn’t it?
Disappointing result – but not surprising. I wasn’t overly keen on Van Gaal’s return and he does seem to be going through the motions this time. He seems more interested in his next job. Hiddink seems more up for it – just a pity he wasn’t appointed earlier. Totally agree about Tim Krul as well. You never know what might happen in Brazil though and we do have quality players – let’s hope they find their rhythm and Louis starts getting interested!
I thought Memphis Depay brought some light towards the end of the game. Him on one side Robben on the other I see some danger in the attack. Quincy Promes is a decent player as well. The D is struggling they were not linked up. Sneijder to me is a cry baby and over-rated he needs weapons all around him for him to really be a stud. He can not create for himself and doesnt put enough effort in. i would like to go without him. I know thats bold but his attitude is annoying. Tim Krul needs to be in goal !
I also agree with the lack of pace and non-existent midfield in part due to sneijder’s lazy ways.. Depay brought the pace on we saw a couple flashes with Promes
I think holland didn’t play will because of van gaal formation and he didn’t select the best palyers
I think tim krul deserve to be the no 1 goalkeeper in Dutch team also Eric peter deserve place