Apart from an instep shot on target from midfielder Alan Browne (5th), or even a goal ultimately canceled for offside from Adam Idah (59th), there was almost no concern on Saturday in a Johan Armored Cruyff Arena, which even whistled at its team caught in the grip of its ineffectiveness after around twenty opportunities not materialized. The Netherlands added the name of their nation to the first thirteen teams already qualified for the next Euro in Germany (June 14-July 14) by winning by the smallest of margins against Ireland (1-0) . Before their trip to Gibraltar on Tuesday, the Dutch did the job in this group B with 15 points, if we consider that they won everything with the exception of the two matches against the untouchable Blues (0-4, 1 -2).
In a one-sided encounter, from the Dutch attack towards the tight defense of the Boys in Green, courageous but limited, particularly in their uncoordinated pressing, the Oranges often confiscated the ball. They also multiplied the goal situations with relaxation. Not to mention a bit of casualness or lack of aggressiveness at the moment of the last gesture.
The statistical table summarizes the appearance of a quiet evening with 55% possession, 19 shots to 3, but only 5 on target for the Dutch fortunately sheltered from the 12th minute of play. After a breakthrough on the right side of a thirty meters away, it was Wout Weghorst, the Hoffeinheim center forward, who deceived Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, perhaps the best player of the match, with a shot under the bar. author of four decisive saves.
Need to acquire maturity
We cannot blame Xavi Simons, who exploited five balls in the opposing area, for not having taken his responsibilities to organize the game. Only his tackled recovery, unfortunately blocked by Cody Gakpo in the 5.5 m while he went straight to the goal (48th). An ice pack on the head once he sat back on the bench (80th), the young international (20 years old) loaned by PSG to RB Leipzig was replaced by Donyell Malen, well after his head shock which occurred during a duel with Liam Scales (65th).
Deprived of ten defenders, coach Ronald Koeman still provided the essentials with the help of Denzel Dumfries, who cleaned the entire right flank with his percussion, or with the changes of rhythm at the heart of Tijjani Reijnders’ game . He has a few months left to bring this talented young team some additional notions of maturity.
