England faced off against a tough Netherlands side. It was set to be a mouthwatering game. However, both teams have struggled to find their feet in the tournament.
From England’s end, their journey hasn’t been easy to the Semifinals. The Three Lions had struggled against Slovakia managing an extra-time win. They also edged Switzerland on Penalties in the quarterfinals. This was after a full-time 1-1 draw. This surmised their struggles in the tournament. Moreover, in their struggles, they’ve managed to grind out results.
The Netherlands also had some rough moments. In the group stage, the Netherlands had managed their way out with 4 points. Their round 16 game saw them excel beautifully against Romania. The Quarterfinal was a bit tricky as the Dutch had to fight back to defeat Turkey.
Both teams kicked off at the Signal Iduna Park. However, the game didn’t see a winner till the late minutes.
England vs Netherlands: First Half
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The game kicked off with England looking to keep a firm hold of the possession. Moreover, the Netherlands looked sharper with the ball. Soon a misplaced possession from Rice saw Xavi Simons drive the ball into the box. The Leipzig striker fires a one-time shot, beating Pickford. The Netherlands had an early lead. Soon The Three Lions started to look sharper and rejuvenated.
A cross from Bukayo Saka was deflected allowing a free Harry Kane to fire a one-time shot over the bar. However, he was caught by Dumfries who had lunged to prevent the shot. After a thorough VAR check, England was given the Penalty. Harry Kane was able to slot it beyond Verbruggen.
The game continued with England piling up more pressure on the Dutch. Foden could have made it two with a one-on-one opportunity. Moreover, Dumfries made a goal-line clearance to deny Foden.
The Netherlands soon had a corner. Dumfries connected a header that went straight for the bar. England’s turn came. Foden drifted from the right and fired a thumping shot, which also went for the bar.
The First half ended in 1 draw. However, England dominated the game more than the Dutch.
Second half
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The 2nd Half was also similar to the first, moreover Netherlands had a better share of the possession. Although the Dutch had lost Memphis Depay to injury, Veerman had come to replace the Dutchman. Weghorst also came in for Malen.
England had also removed Trippier for Shaw. The game in the 2nd half had fewer chances from both teams. The two teams seemed to be more conservative. England soon had a beautiful chance. Saka scores with a fine close-range strike. But he was ruled offside.
It had not ended there, as a late opportunity found Watkins. Palmer had released the ball to find Watkins who wasted no time in striking from another close range. The goal came late in the 90 minutes, crippling the Dutch. The game soon ended with England as the victors.
Although there were a lot of questions regarding the build-up to England’s goal. A foul was poorly given to Guehi who fell easily. The change could have allowed the Netherlands a goal-scoring chance. Notwithstanding the Dutch coach Ronald Koeman would be overall disappointed in his team’s performance.
Comments on the Game
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The Netherlands Captain Van Dijk had expressed his displeasure over the officiating.
The referee ran back inside straight after the FT whistle, that says a lot. I have no words. To concede so late is terrible. This hurts so much. I have to stand here, but I don’t even know what to say. This hurts so much.
Former Dutch Legend Pierre van Hooijdonk also said:
Felix Zwayer put him on the blacklist. The penalty in the first half, the many moments in the second half, these moments have decided the outcome of this game.
Ex-England Forward Alan Shearer had his view on the game. Shearer spoke
At times, yes Gareth Southgate has been criticised. But, in that first half tonight I thought it was magnificent, it was more like what we wanted – he deserves all the credit.
Euro 2024 is now set up for an epic final clash between Spain and England. Who do you think will come out on top?
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