Netherland had always been a nation known for their footballing abilities and prowess years ago. They used to be so good that they once ranked first on the FIFA world ranking list. They have reached the world cup final, beaten strong football nations and had in the past shown the stuff they were made of.
Like some say, having something before isn’t a property…
Upon all the things Netherland had done when it comes to football at the world level, they went off the scene and it looked like the one time football giants were now underdogs in football, and it would take them a new generation of players to get back into the football scene.
Fast forward recently… Under a new manager, things are now looking like it has come back to normal for them, as they are looking really strong and dangerous on the pitch. Their past results say it all. They have defeated teams like Germany comfortably, even though the Germans are more like the shadow of themselves ever since they won the world cup. Not only the Germans, they have also defeated Portugal who are a really strong football team, gotten points from other very strong football nations as well.
Their most recent victory was against France who are the current world cup champions, defeating France 2nil.
Talking about their recent game against France, let’s take a look at a quick recap about the game.
NETHERLANDS VS FRANCE – BRIEF POST MATCH ANALYSES
The game started in a bright fashion as both teams were looking lively and ready to take on each other. The supporting fans were cheering and the whole atmosphere was buzzing. Everyone was pumped and ready to watch a beautiful game of football. A game between the current world cup champions against a team who are trying to regain their honor in the footballing world.
The game began and as expected, France started in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Giroud as the main striker. The Netherlands started in their favorite 4-3-3 formation, with Depay who has been in great form recently as the Number 9.
The kickoff whistle was blown and the game began in a lively manner for both teams.
The Netherlands looking really sharp, almost got the first goal early in the game, as they saw a goal bound shot blocked. It didn’t just end there, Netherland were on the front foot, pushing and forcing France back.
France began to slowly get into the game, as a fine cross was played to the path of Griezman who put up a fine header, but it wasn’t powerful enough to beat the Netherland’s goalkeeper.
As time kept ticking away, both teams had a couple of chances in the game, but it was the Netherlands who were more on the front foot for long spells of the game.
The first goal:
Wijnaldum who was the first goal scorer, fired the ball home after the French goalkeeper did a great job in stopping the first shot but couldn’t keep the ball away from the path of Wijnaldum who placed the ball home for the first goal of the match. The Netherlands got their reward after for their performance so far in the match.
The second goal:
The second goal came almost a few seconds before the final whistle. Memphis Depay slotted the ball home following a penalty after one of the Netherlands player was brought down in the box. A fantastic chipped penalty by Depay to totally wrap up their performance in the game.
It was a very good performance by the Netherlands who are showing signs of resurrection and are looking like they are back to what they used to be in football, a dangerous attacking team.
The question is… are the Netherlands back to what they used to be in football?
MY OPINION
For me, I would say yes… under Koeman, they are playing very well and are looking really strong. Judging by their previous performances, I would say Koeman is doing a wonderful job with the Netherlands national team and if they continue this way and keep getting better, they might turn out to be a force to be reckoned with again sooner.
And that is a wrap…
Who do you think... Do you think the Netherlands are back to what they used to be in football?
I would love to read your own opinions… Enjoy your day.
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