Netherlands national team won 2-0 when they hosted France national team in the UEFA Nations League 1 Group 1 match at the Feijenoord Stadium, Rotterdam, on Friday (17/11).
France looked outclassed for much of the match. The team tried to play a patient waiting game, sitting back and hoping to launch 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe. But led by midfielder Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch not only dominated possession, but also shut down the World Cup star.
Georginio Wijnaldum scored the first goal in the 44th minute by utilizing Ryan Babel’s pass. Entering the second half, Memphis Depay managed to solidify the victory of the team nicknamed De Oranje from the penalty spot in the 6th minute of extra time. Depay doubled Netherlands advantage after Frenkie De Jong was fault by Moussa Sissoko.
Successfully defeated world champions France, Netherlands secured the opportunity to qualify for the semifinals. Netherlands managed to collect 6 points from three matches, one point behind France who have played four matches. Netherlands must wish they could play every match at Feyenoord’s Stadium which the victory extended the Dutch run of wins at De Kuip Stadium to 15.
The composition of Netherlands players with coach Ronald Koeman: Jasper Cillessen, Daley Blind, Virgil van Dijk, Danzel Dumfries, Matthijs de Light, Ryan Babel, Georginio Wijnaldum, Marten de Roon, Frankie de Jong, Memphis Depay, Steven Bergwijn
Meanwhile, Germany is certain to be relegated because of being in a distended position with one point from three matches. Germany’s poor performance after the 2018 World Cup continued in the UEFA Nations League.
The 2014 World Cup Champion swallowed two defeats from France and Netherlands and only won one draw while playing 0-0 with France at the Allianz Arena, early September. With relegation, Germany had to go down to the League B in the following season. Quoted from Sportskeeda, Germany will join Iceland and Poland which have been confirmed to be relegated for next year. Another team has the chance to be relegated between Croatia and England from Group 4.
Meanwhile, Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Denmark can be the promotional trim that will replace Germany in Group A.
Relegated from the top level of the UEFA Nations League is a final reality that Germany must accept. Though Thomas Mueller and his friends began to show improvement after beating Russia 3-0 in a friendly match. In a trial match at the Red Bull Arena Stadium on Friday (16/11), three Germany winning goals were scored by Leroy Sane (8′), Niklas Suele (25′), and Serge Gnabry (40′).
