For the first time since 1997, the Netherlands has won a game against neighboring Belgium. There was nothing for the Red Devils in Group A4 of the UEFA Nations League.
key moments
13.: Castagne hits only aluminum
40.: Bergwijn with force to 1:0
51.: Depay increased
62.: Dumfries with preliminary decision
66.: Volley by Depay to make it 4-0
90.+3: Batshuayi with a consolation goal
game soon
Belgium actually got off to a better start and had the first chance through Timothy Castagne, but he failed because of the aluminum.
The Oranje then took command and created many opportunities. Steven Berghuis finally made it 1-0 with a shot from 25 meters out.
After the break it almost only went in one direction. Memphis Depay threw on his notorious turbo before the 2-0, then Dumfries brought a cross from Daley Blind over the line.
Blind also provided the preparatory work for Depay’s second goal and thus the game was already decided 25 minutes before the end. Nevertheless, Belgium still came to cosmetic results in added time.
Statistics
- The Dutch have failed to score in just one of their last 22 internationals
- Goalscorer Steven Bergwijn was born a month after the Netherlands last won against Belgium (1997)
- For Belgium it was the first home defeat in the UEFA Nations League ever
Voices
Louis van Gaal, Trainer Netherlands: “If everyone does their job, then we’ll have an extra player in every position on the pitch. Of course, that also has something to do with the opponent. I switched midfield against Belgium and midfield won our game today .”
Roberto Martinez, Trainer Belgium: “It was a wake-up call for all of us. We know we have a lot of work ahead of us. I have to look at the squad again and make some decisions. I’ve been here for a while now and I have to be careful not to make a mistake and I think some players are automatically ready for the World Cup.”
lineups
Belgium: Mignolet – Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen – Meunier (67. Carrasco), De Bruyne, Witsel (67. Batshuayi), Castagne – Vanaken (46. Onana), Lukaku (27. Trossard), E. Hazard (46. Mertens)
Netherlands: Cillessen – J. Timber, Van Dijk, Aké (74. de Ligt) – Dumfries, Klaasen, F. de Jong, Blind – Berghuis (83. Koopmeiners) – Bergwijn, Depay
What happens after the UEFA Nations League group stage?
The four group winners of League A advance to the final tournament, one of which is chosen as the host. The semi-finals will be played on June 14 and 15, 2023, with the final and third-place match on June 18.
Fourth-place finishers in League A groups are relegated to League B for the 2024/25 edition.