Netherlands 3-0 Germany: Three reasons for the Dutch demolition job

Netherlands piled more misery on Germany with a 3-0 vanquish in the Nations League clash as Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum all bagged a goal each. The victory also marks the nation's first over the Diemannschaft since 2002, but more importantly, the biggest in history!

Germany's dire show in Russia has spilled over into this competition, with another toothless display being the highlight. They are yet to score after two games and have been consigned to the bottom of Group 1 in League A, with a genuine possibility of getting relegated to a lower league. Next up is France again, whereas the Netherlands can gleefully look forward to a friendly fixture against World Cup semi-finalists Belgium.

With that in mind, here's three reasons behind the hosts' historic win:

#1 Netherlands expose Germany's vulnerabilities

Netherlands pounced on Germany's shortcomings

Throughout the first 45 minutes, the Oranje ran the roughshod over a hapless visitors with high press and brisk passing. They created a handful of half-decent chances after a dominant show from the flanks, but it was in the second-half when the Netherlands truly delivered the knockout punch.

Germany's attacking frustrations were increasingly visible and hence pushed bodies forward in search of an all-important goal. That left acres of space at the back for the Dutch to exploit which they duly did; through brilliantly executed counter-attacks. Take the second and third goal for example - the defenders were out of position while Toni Kroos and Emre Can had abandoned their defensive duties to try and get more involved in the attack, reminiscent of Germany's mistakes in the Russian showpiece.

The Netherlands were happy to sit back and wait for the perfect opportunity. They managed not one but to create two of those, thoroughly exposing a major frailty in this deplorable German side.

#2 Depay's day out

Depay was a battering ram upfront

Memphis Depay is a player reborn since joining Lyon. He has successfully shrugged off the travails he endured during the ill-fated tenure at Manchester United and now, he's becoming a talisman for the national side too.

Today, Depay was the single biggest threat of this Dutch side whilst also getting the juices flowing with his smart and skilful creative play. His first touches were brilliant and stretched Germany's backline out with his buccaneering runs. The 24-year-old put the game beyond doubt in the 86th minute when he finished off a counter by striking right through Neuer for his side's second.

He could've got his brace just two minutes later, but the crossbar denied him on this occasion. Depay was the most dangerous player tonight with five attempts on goal and three key passes, whilst also completing two dribbles. His red-hot streak continued as he put Germany to the sword.

#3 Netherlands were barely tested in defence

Netherlands had very few problems at the back

The hosts had a mere 40% of ball possession, yet conceded only three shots on target. They kept things tight at the back with close man-marking and an obdurate back four that squelched any threat that Germany tried to pose.

Striker Timo Werner had another day to forget. He wasn't afforded the space to work his magic and also left starved of service. Manchester City's Leroy Sane missed the best chance of the evening, striking narrowly wide - while Thomas Muller disappeared after initial moments of attacking spark. Meanwhile, centre-forward Mark Uth lacked the cutting edge to dispatch his opportunities.

Netherlands restricted the visitors to long-range shots, but even those were so wayward that Jasper Cillessen remained unperturbed in goal. His only real moment of action came in the first-half when he drew a reactionary save to deny Muller. Otherwise, they had barely anything genuine to negotiate with. Germany's listless attack actually aided their cause, and helped ease towards a fantastic victory.