FRANK DE BOER’s tactic allowed the Netherlands to explode again in the Euro and snatch three points in his first Euro 2020 game The Dutch coach has been accused of being too careful with his training and his overly cautious approach to matches.
A true five-goal thriller – which is also the Netherlands’ first victory in the European Championship final since 2008 – isn’t a bad way to signal a comeback. The Netherlands came away breathless with the victory and Ukraine will be devastated to lose after they find their way back to fighting in an electric second half.
A magnificent curling strike from West Ham captain and forgotten midfielder Anriy Yarmolenko followed by a brilliant equalizer from Roman Yaremchuk’s header brought them back to level in four minutes.
The Dutch led logically 2-0 after finding the fault by Wijnaldum (52nd) then Weghorst (58th), but the Ukrainians equalized against the run of the game by captain Yarmolenko, with a splendid strike in the top corner (75th), then by the center-forward Yaremchuk, of the head (79th). The side Dumfries finally offered the victory to the Oranje, also of the head (85th).
Ukraine were threatening via captain Andriy Yarmolenko. Served by Roman Yaremshuk, Yarmolenko was countered at the last moment by Patrick van Aanholt (28th). Two minutes later, Maarten Stekelenburg neutralized his attempt.
The Netherlands confirmed their domination at the start of the second half. Thrown by Marten de Roon, Dumfries flew to the right and crossed, Bushchan could only push back, the ball hit the feet of Wijnaldum who sent him to the back of the net (5-2).
Austria’s Easy Win
In the other Sunday’s, Austria, without impressing, beat North Macedonia. They had to wait until the end of the match to make the difference against a released team despite the importance of the meeting. North Macedonian striker Goran Pandev (116 caps and 36 goals) achieved a small feat. The 37-year-old, 322-day-old Genoa player has become the second oldest goalscorer in Euro history. Only the Austrian Ivica Vastic exceeds him in this hierarchy, he who had scored during Euro 2008 at 38 years and 257 days.
