Netherlands hosted France in a huge World Cup qualifier game in one of the more tougher European qualifying groups. The Dutch narrowly lost a very intriguing game 1-0 but showed a lot of spirit in their performance.
France took the lead through Paul Pogba whose long-range strike was too powerful for Steklenberg in the Dutch goal. Netherlands struggled to create too many clear-cut chances in the first half as Wijnaldum and Promes hobbled off with injuries.
Manager Danny Blind tried to change things around by bringing on Bas Dost in the second half and almost managed to get a point right at the end but Hugo Lloris saved brilliantly from Depay’s close range instinctive shot.
Here are FIVE talking points from the game
1) Paul Pogba shows signs of reaching peak form
France’s shining star has come under a lot of criticism recently over his performances for Manchester United. He came for a world record fee of 89 million pounds and many have claimed he hasn’t justified it yet.
But the Frenchman showed what he can do by scoring the opening and only goal of the game for France. Granted the keeper could have done better but it still took a very powerful striker to put him off.
His overall game was decent and maybe not at the level you would expect but he is getting there. The Frenchman seems to be improving game by game and once he’s at his best he could be unstoppable.
He has the backing of the manager and his teammates so it won’t be too long before we see the real Pogba in action
2) Netherlands miss influence of big three
The biggest problem for the Dutch tonight was their attack.There was a time when they were feared by many teams in every major competition they played. Thier impressive showings in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups displayed the amount of firepower they possessed in their ranks
The problem is the core of those teams have now been disbanded. Robin Van Persie has been dropped due to a lack of form. Robben isn’t getting any younger or fitter. Sneijder the youngest of the ‘Big Three’ is 32 and is still their most important player.
This young football team is still to be assessed. Some of them show promise while others like Memphis Depay need to regain the form they once previously showed. It's very clear now how dependent they were on their stars but they will have to learn how to play without them.
If that means more effort in scouting the next Van Persie or Robben then so be it but they will have to admit that the team are currently in a transitional phase
3) France have scope for improvement
France scraped this win in truth and despite their obvious superiority in strength and quality they really struggled to assert their dominance over 90 minutes. The Dutch were without several players through injury and even lost a couple more during the game.
The French did show their game management skills but there were a few nervy moments at the back against the Dutch. You still feel there is considerable doubt over whether when the time comes if they can go all the way and win a major tournament.
There is enormous talent amongst their ranks but sometimes they just don’t feel like a title winning side. They showed how vulnerable they can be at times during the early stages of Euro 2016 and failed to capitalize on a host of chances against Portugal that ultimately cost them the final.
It’s about having that solid overall mentality and the big game mindset to really bring out the best in your performances and Didier Deschamps will have try and bring that out of his team.
4) Rick Karsdorp the brightest star for the Dutch
The Netherlands had only two attempts on target which showed the lack of ideas they had in front of goal. France ensured they followed game management protocol and always looked in control of thier attack and defence.
But one player, in particular, looked very impressive for the Dutch and that was their right back Rick Karsdorp. The Dutch do produce a lot of special talent through their youth system and the 21-year-old seems to be one of their brightest graduates yet.
He ran France’s Kurzawa ragged throughout that game beating his man on several occasions and producing good crosses. He was the best outlet for Netherlands throughout the game and needed better end product from his strikers.
Many big clubs across Europe would have taken notice and sooner or later he could become the latest to leave his homeland for pastures new.
5) Still early days in the group
Netherlands were top of group A before the start of the game and now they have slipped below France after that defeat. This is an indicator as to who the group might pan out at the end of the qualifying stages
France got the win but were not completely convincing at times. The Dutch after a win and draw fell short against quality opposition. Both teams have a lot to improve on but these are the two expected to finish in the top two come end of the qualifying campaign.
If France don't qualify it would come as a big shock, but the Netherlands could face stiff competitions from Sweden for that final qualifying spot. It’s very surprising watching such an inexperienced Dutch side play.
This was their first loss in the qualifying stages of a World Cup campaign since 2001, showing how much has changed in the last 15 years or so. Danny Blind has a lot of work to do ahead of the upcoming fixtures but once his mini-injury crisis passes they will look a much stronger side on paper.
