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The Netherlands were knocked out of the UEFA Euro 2024 after England beat them 2-1 in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 10. Substitute Ollie Watkins netted the winner for the Three Lions in the 90th minute and set up a mouth-watering final against Spain.
Runners-up in the last edition of the championship, England were eager to secure back-to-back finals. However, their hopes were dealt an early blow when Xavi Simons fired the Dutch in front in the seventh minute.
After Declan Rice gave the ball away, Simons came into possession. He then unleashed a long-range stunner beyond Jordan Pickford as the Netherlands were in dreamland.
However, their celebrations were cut short after only 11 minutes as Harry Kane was deemed to have fouled inside the box by Denzel Dumfries. The Bayern Munich ace clinically buried his effort from 12 yards. Phil Foden and Dumfries hit the woodwork for their sides.
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In contrast to the frantic and nervy opening stanza, the second half saw fewer chances, with neither side unable to carve out clear-cut opportunities. Both sides sought a moment of inspiration from their forwards, but only one succeeded.
Watkins, who had been on the pitch for only 10 minutes, fired home from a tight angle in the first minute of added time as England were in front. Seeing off the remainder of the match, Gareth Southgate's swashbuckling side sealed their place in the Berlin final on Sunday (July 14), where high-flying Spain awais them.
The Netherlands fell short in the semi-finals yet again but can be proud of their impressive campaign overall. Here are the player ratings for the Netherlands:
Bart Verbruggen - 7/10
The Dutch custodian made two saves. He was always vigilant in the face of any incoming danger, charging off his line to claim the ball or punching it clear during set-pieces. Verbruggen, however, had no chance with either Kane's penalty or Watkins' late winner.
Denzel Dumfries - 4/10
The Inter Milan star looked unsettled by England's frantic pace. He conceded a penalty after bringing down Kane inside the box, although the decision seemed contentious.
Stefan de Vrij - 6.5/10
He fought hard for the ball but was more keen to get his side forward and hence sent a couple of long balls forward.
Virgil van Dijk - 7/10
The Dutch skipper used his towering frame to win duels and excellent vision to clear the lines. His passing was immaculate too, registering a 92% completion rate.
Nathan Ake - 6/10
Ake's positional awareness was top-notch, heading away a free kick by Foden in the first half and then intercepting a pass from Walker. But offensively, his output was limited.
Jerdy Schouten - 6/10
The 27-year-old was involved in a clash of heads with Bellingham in the ninth minute, besides which he was barely seen in the game.
Tijjani Reijnders - 6/10
Reijnders burst to life late on and created two chances, but neither came to fruition.
Donyell Malen - 3/10
He was given a chance to shine by coming into the XI but Malen struggled, big time. In the opening half, he made just two accurate passes and one futile attempt at goal that was blocked.
Xavi Simons - 8/10
The young gun fired the Netherlands in front after just seven minutes with a stunning effort from range! What a sensational way to open your goalscoring account in the European championship.
Cody Gakpo - 5/10
A quiet first half for the Liverpool forward, making only eight touches in 45 minutes of action. He continued to underwhelm after the break too, making almost no impact going forward.
Memphis Depay - N/A
Depay was having a good game until succumbing to an injury in the 35th minute that brought his night to a premature close.
Substitutes
Joey Veerman - 7/10
Veerman took the set-pieces with aplomb and even created a few good chances from open play.
Wout Weghorst - 6/10
The striker was thrown on in the second half to boost the Netherlands' attack but flattered to deceive. He held up play well but couldn't carve out a big chance.
Joshua Zirkzee - N/A
He came on right after England's winner with only barely a minute or two left on the clock.
Brian Brobbey - N/A
He came on alongside Zrikzee in the dying embers as the Netherlands threw caution to the wind.
