OK, here is the question, DO WE BELIEVE IN THIS TEAM????? What a defensive performance. van Dijk had one of the best games of a central defender that I have ever seen (and I've seen a lot of matches going back to 1966). de Ligt was shaky at the beginning of the game but settled down to keep things calm Cillessen was tough in goal making the saves he needed to. The two late goals were great icing on the cake. This team still has a chance to win this group. Player & Manager Ratings: Koeman (9) - I don't know what he did but he got this group ready to play Cillessen (8) - tough saves and calm on the ball Blind (8) - despite his limitations he had a very nice match van Dijk (10) - got the game winner and never missed a ball in the air de Ligt (7.5) - shaky start but came on strong Dumphries (7,5) - got some good help and had a really wicked cross that was well saved by the German defender F. de Jong (8) - smooth on the ball and unafraid to carry things forward de Roon (7.5) - totally spent at the end of the match but helped to clog up the middle of the defense Wijnaldum (8) - nicely taken shot on the third goal and played every German MF tight Bergwijn (7) - did the necessary tracking back on defense Memphis (9) - constant worry for Germany on counters and made sure there was always an outlet Babel (7) - some usual bad touches but otherwise a good match Promes (7) - defended well and got up field fast when the ball was turned over Gronewald (6.5) - could have done a little better when he had the ball in deep but looks to be a promising player Ake (7) - I was worried when I saw him coming in for de Jong but not to worry, he stepped right into the LB position and made some key interceptions France at home next month and that may decide the group!!!!
3 - The Netherlands have beaten Germany with a 3+ goal margin for the first time in history. Historic. pic.twitter.com/rDscgOKO64— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 13, 2018
Bahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......................3-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take that, ze filthy Deutschlanders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NED 3-0 GER (FT) - Tercera victoria de Holanda ante Alemania en partido NO amistoso (1988, 1992 y 2018). Alemania atraviesa una de las peores crisis de resultados de toda su historia: en sus últimos 12 partidos sólo le ha ganado a Arabia Saudí (2-1), a Suecia (2-1) y a Perú (2-1)— MisterChip (Alexis) (@2010MisterChip) October 13, 2018 90 - Georginio Wijnaldum's goal was the first Netherlands goal against Germany in the 90th minute or later. German.— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 13, 2018 Germany have suffered their 1st defeat by a 3 goal margin in almost 11 years, since 3-0 v Czech Republic in October 2007 pic.twitter.com/KaMV6ophJa— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 13, 2018 Completely mad. Koeman was very muted in his reaction.
We were awful bad with playing out the counters we made. They should have a good look at the Oranje vs Italy and vs France 2006 matches to learn how to execute a counter. The Germans were very good in missing chances too. Could have been 6-5 or 5-6.
Germany have to go to France in a few days. In case they lose that one France only need a draw, away to Holland, in November. If that's indeed the case a draw against France would basically guarantee Germany get relegated and they'll very much be in danger of dropping down to pot 2 for the EURO qualis. H2H could be decisive and Germany should have never crumbled (the 3-0 can come back to haunt them). Holland would then remain in the top tier of the NL + top seed status in the the EURO2020 qualis. Yet there would be no Final 4 in June 2019 which most likely will take place in Portugal. ATM France, Belgium, Portugal and Spain are favoured to win their group and qualify for the Nations League Finals. Ranking-wise this was a very good matchday for Holland. A win for Holland while none of the competitors for top seed status in the WCQs recorded a win (Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Poland and Wales). I'd expect the qualification format for Qatar to be disclosed around the first international break of 2019 (the start of the ECQs). Then you'll know what's needed and there'll be two double matchdays left to get into pot 1. Germany might even drop down to pot 2 (they're a direct competitor and Holland just gained about 16 points on them).
I think Germany will play hard in the next match vs France. A draw is what I expect. If Netherlands can beat France in Netherlands then I will dare to dream another title. It is a bit early but things look bright and optimistic right now.
Germany desperately need a win. A draw against France won't be enough to advance to the Final 4 and they'll have crashed out of another group in the last half year. The game in France could go either way. It's only in a few days, we'll know the result soon enough.
Just finished watching the replay... my three key take-aways. This Dutch team is loaded with speed. From bottom to top (or back to front, or however you look at it)… Dumfries, De Ligt, Memphis, Bergwijn, Babel, Wijnaldum, Promes, etc. Even the holding midfielder Frenkie De Jong can bring the ball forward in a flash. The team is suited playing in an open game and counter-attack. In spite of the excellent result (against the powerhouse Germany, I must add), the scary thing (for the future opponents) is that, I think, the quality in the final third could yet be improved. Talk about attacking potential! Van Dijk and De Ligt are beasts. A little bit erratic in the first 10 minutes or so, but when settled, they were rock solid. Looked like they are getting better understanding in their partnership. Nice to see that both are very comfortable passing from the back. It will be some defensive lapses here and there (just like when Sane left completely wide open - thankfully he missed terribly!)… but with the current trajectory, VDV & MDL would be easily in the top-3 defensive duo in the world in no time. All debutants received passing grade. Many of you know that I have been bullish on Dumfries for quite some time now, and I think today he has raised the bar for himself. His charging forward and delivering to the box give a new attacking dimension, and his ability to stay on his feet defensively is what will make him indispensable. Bergwijn put a good shift and linked up nicely with the rest. Danjuma Groeneveld may have rushed and wasted a couple possessions, but he looked hungry and eager.
I haven't really been that happy with an Oranje game since the 5-1 game against Spain. It wasn't a perfect game for Oranje, but come on! Koeman, the players and the fans really needed that boost after a long period of disappointment. Hopefully better things are yet to come.
https://www.onsoranje.nl/nieuws/nederlands-elftal/73942/virgil-van-dijk-niet-mee-naar-brussel Van Dijk won't play in the game against Belgium because of an earlier injury. Belgium already had quite a lengthy injury list and although we have yet to receive confirmation Vermaelen and maybe Fellaini will be added to the list. According to Youri Mulder Belgium might have a problem, not immediately though but after EURO2020, while Holland are on the up. Time will tell, I guess. Holland hadn't beaten Germany for 16 years ... until yesterday. Belgium's unbeaten record v. Holland is even better ... 21 years and counting. And Holland play Belgium a lot more often than Germany. The upcoming Derby of the Low Countries will be the 127th game between Holland and Belgium. Let's see if Belgium can extend the unbeaten record.
I always find it quite funny when we play against Germany we all sing inour national anthem "Am I of German Blood"