It is undoubtedly the match which launches this Euro 2021 for good. After the success of Austria against North Macedonia (3-1), the Dutch had to react at home against Ukraine. Absent from Euro 2016 in France and the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Netherlands are indeed among the outsiders of the competition.
Faced with a confident opponent, Frank De Boer’s men created many opportunities but were ineffective for a long time. However, they managed to score twice at the start of the second half. Ukraine thought they would snatch the draw by coming down to 2-2. But the Dutch from Memphis Depay ended up winning. The game against Austria next Thursday will be decisive in this group.
What you must remember
The 16,000 spectators present at the Johan Cruyff Arena were spoiled. The “Oranje” delivered a great match even if they scared each other. In the first ten minutes, the tone was set with seven Dutch shots. A record since 1980, according to Opta. Memphis Depay led the way and made a breakthrough of 60 meters before coming up against goalkeeper Bushchan in the second minute. He is not the only one. Dumfries too (5th). The recovery of Wijnaldum passes just above (7th). The Ukrainians resist and place a few blocks but Yarmolenko does not materialize (28th, 30th).
The Netherlands are increasing the pressure. The volley of Wijnaldum forces Bushchan to a new parade (39th). Dumfries, him, alone at the far post misses the target (40th).
Logically, the score does not stay at 0-0. In the 52nd, Wiknaldum shows the way with a superb strike. Weghorst, on the lookout, brings the score to 2-0 (59th). We think the game folded but Ukraine will come back on two magnificent goals.
A curled shot from Yarmolenko (75th) gives hope. It had been five Euro games and 72 consecutive shots that the Ukrainians had not scored! The last Ukrainian goal was scored in June 2012 by current coach Shevchenko. A header from Yaremchuk (79th) in the wake then offers the unexpected point of a draw for Ukraine.
But the Dutch regained control of the ball and Dumfries this time placed a solid header from the penalty point to deceive Bushchan (3-2, 85th).
The player
Georginio Wijnaldum
Captain of the Netherlands, the new recruit of PSG delivered a very rich performance in the midfield. With or without the ball, in a defensive position or in attack, he was very enterprising and efficient. For his 76th selection, he ended his country’s 2,528 scoreless days in a Euro or a World Cup. The last scorer for the Netherlands in international competition was … him at the 2014 World Cup!
The number
5
This Netherlands – Ukraine will go down as the first game in Euro history to see five goals scored in the second half when the score was 0-0 at the break.
