Download Netherlands vs Iceland 4-0 Highlights | Friendly Match
The Netherlands concluded their Euro 2024 preparations with a commanding 4-0 victory over Iceland.
Xavi Simons gave Ronald Koeman’s side a half-time lead, while Virgil van Dijk, Donyell Malen and Wout Weghorst were on target in the second half at Stadion Feijenoord.
The hosts broke the deadlock midway through the first half as Joey Veerman and Denzel Dumfries neatly combined to set up Simons for a close-range tap-in.
Misfiring England tumble to Iceland defeat in setback to Euros preparationsMisfiring England tumble to Iceland defeat in setback to Euros preparations
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Van Dijk doubled the lead four minutes after the restart, the skipper nodding home from inside the six-yard box after Nathan Ake helped a corner into his path.
Substitute Malen put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute, latching onto Memphis Depay’s throughball and slotting past Hakon Valdimarsson.
Depay was denied following a VAR review soon after, but the Dutch did get their fourth goal six minutes from time. Malen turned provider as he sprung the offside trap before unselfishly squaring for Weghorst to put the icing on the cake.
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TALKING POINT – THE FUTURE’S ORANJE AS THE DUTCH MARCH TOWARDS EURO 2024 IN FINE FETTLE
With their Euro 2024 campaign beginning against Poland on Sunday, it is safe to say the Dutch are in good shape.
The Oranje have now won six of their last seven matches – including each of their last three at home by a 4-0 scoreline – and appear to be hitting form at just the right time.
Although Koeman made nine changes to the side that started the 4-0 victory over Canada on Thursday, the outcome remained constant.
It was another comfortable win for the Dutch, who outshot their opponents 22-3 and had an xG of 2.79 compared to just 0.09 for Iceland.
France are expected to pose the Netherlands’ biggest challenge in Group D, but Les Bleus will certainly be wary as the 1988 European champions will certainly arrive with their tails up.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – JOEY VEERMAN (NETHERLANDS)
With Frenkie de Jong ruled out of Euro 2024, Veerman staked his claim to step up in the Barcelona man’s absence with an all-action display in the middle of the park.
The PSV midfielder helped get the ball rolling for the Dutch with a tremendous diagonal ball for Dumfries to help across the area for Simons to break the deadlock.
Veerman led the way with game-high tallies for final-third entries (15), chances created (six), touches (87), crosses (10) and tackles.
He also won possession the joint-most times (five, level with Dumfries), while only De Vrij (72) completed more passes (60).
PLAYER RATINGS
Netherlands: Verbruggen 7, Dumfries 8, De Vrij 7, Van Dijk 8, Ake 7, Reijnders 7, Schouten 7, Veerman 9*, Simons 8, Depay 8, Gakpo 7.
Subs: Van de Ven 6, Wijnaldum 6, Geertruida 6, Malen 8, Frimpong 7, Weghorst 8.
Iceland: Valdimarsson 7, Bjarkason 6, Fridriksson 6, Ingason 6, Finnsson 6, Traustason 5, Haraldsson 6, Gudmundsson 6, Anderson 6, Gudjohnsen 5, Thorsteinsson 6.
Subs: Thordarson 7, Sigurdsson 6, Johannesson 6, Hlynsson N/A, Bjarnason N/A.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
23′ – GOAL!!! NETHERLANDS 1-0 ICELAND (SIMONS): That’s a lovely goal to put the hosts in front! On the edge of the area, Veerman lifts a diagonal ball towards the far post, where Dumfries head it back into the six-yard area for the unmarked Simons to volley home.
26′ – CHANCE: The Dutch get in behind again with another diagonal ball as Ake picks out Gakpo, who helps it across the six-yard box. Depay arrives but, under pressure from Ingason, cannot steer the ball inside the far post.
49′ – GOAL!!! NETHERLANDS 2-0 ICELAND (VAN DIJK): The Dutch double their advantage through the skipper! After a corner is glanced towards the far post, Ake nods the ball into the six-yard box for the unmarked Van Dijk to head home.
70′ – OFF THE POST: What an effort that was by Thordarson, who tries his luck from a good 30 to 35 yards out. The substitute’s ambitious effort dips dangerously towards Verbruggen’s bottom-right corner, but crashes against the upright.
79′ – GOAL!!! NETHERLANDS 3-0 ICELAND (MALEN): Just on as a substitute, Malen puts the result beyond any doubt! The Borussia Dortmund forward times his run beautifully to latch onto Depay’s lofted throughball, before demonstrating brilliant composure to slot past Valdimarsson.
90+3′ – GOAL!!! NETHERLANDS 4-0 ICELAND (WEGHORST): Weghorst puts the icing on the cake! Malen times his run brilliantly to spring the offside trap and get in behind the defence. He then unselfishly squares for Weghorst, who delicately lifts over the advancing Valdimarsson. The strike is initially ruled out for offside, but the referee rightly changes his mind to award it.
KEY STATS
The Netherlands head to the European Championship full of confidence, having won six of their last seven matches.
Not only that, but the Dutch have been 4-0 winners in each of their last three outings on home soil.
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