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The Netherlands defeated France 2-0 in a UEFA Nations League match-up on Friday. Georginio Wijnaldum put the hosts ahead in the 44th minute via a strike from inside the French penalty box, and Memphis Depay scored from a penalty in injury time to increase the deficit.
It was the 2nd consecutive home win for the Dutch side as they had previously beaten Germany 3-0 in October. They have now scored 5 goals in their last 2 matches without conceding any.
They are also the favourites to qualify for the next phase as they are ahead of France on goal difference. Newly appointed coach, Ronald Koeman, should be proud of the way his players performed against the world champions.
The French were ordinary in the match and struggled to create any move worth mentioning. Players like Kylian Mbappe and Blaise Matuidi were off-color, and Antoine Griezmann waged a lone battle. France missed Paul Pogba in the midfield as the Dutch dominated the midfield battle.
We take a look at 3 players who helped the Dutch win against the French.
#1 Denzel Dumfries
Dumfries, the 22 year old right-back of Netherlands, was a revelation in yesterday’s match. He was magnificent in attack and solid in defence. This was only his 2nd cap for the Dutch national side, and he certainly impressed many with his display.
He went into overlaps a number of times, and tormented the French left-back with his fast runs and quick passes. Moreover, he also cut in from the flank frequently and created holes in the French defence.
One of his passes almost led to a goal, but Ryan Babel missed the chance. He also gave Matuidi a difficult time, and hardly allowed him create a move.
Dumfries started his international career in 2014, and has a long way to go. He is now playing for PSV Eindhoven and has appeared in only 19 matches for the club. He should play for an even bigger club in the future, and have a fine career ahead.
#2 Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum usually plays in a more restrained role for his club Liverpool, but yesterday he was in a more attacking role. He created trouble for the French defence with his probing runs, and it was his opportunistic strike in the first half which put the Dutch ahead.
He is a good dribbler and passer, and therefore is a threat for opposition defences. He is usually given more defensive duties while playing for Liverpool, and therefore cannot fully utilise his attacking potential at club level.
He ventured into the box and put the ball into the net after it had come off Hugo Lloris who parried a Ryan Babel shot from close range. It was Wijnaldum’s opportunism which led to the goal, as he was at the right spot to slot the ball home. It was his 10th goal for The Netherlands in 52 matches, and there should be many more to come.
#3 Ryan Babel
Babel, another Dutch footballer with links to Liverpool, was a constant menace to the French defence. He played on the left-wing and gave Benjamin Pavard, the French right-back, a tough time. Babel is a veteran who was playing in his 53rd match for the Dutch side yesterday.
He also made some foraying runs through the inside-left channel, and made life difficult for the French defenders. He almost scored a goal himself, but his shot was saved by Lloris, and Wijnaldaum scored off the rebound.
Babel had another chance to score, but missed it by shooting over the crossbar. He combined well with Memphis Depay to create a few moves for his team.
The 31 year-old Babel now plays for Turkish club Besiktas, and if yesterday’s performance was any indication, he still has a few years left in him at the top level. He has scored 8 goals for The Netherlands so far, and provides them with much needed experience.
