Yeah, I think we have some interesting attacking talents though. They’re just on the bench. Malen is one of them and so is Gakpo. I hope they’re given a chance at some point though it’ll be hard with this formation.
it's weird. If one didnot watch the match, you would think it was an even match going by the possession numbers.
Not a fan of defending corners without There is no way De Boer will drop him, and quite honestly you really can’t. Memphis brings a certain danger for the opponent, that said he MUST improve.
I hope De Ligt's injury is not serious and he should sit out in the last group game. De Roon got 1 yellow card, maybe he should also sit out next game. I would like to see Koopmeiners and Gakpo. Defense is very good with VVD, De Vrij and De Ligt. With VVD out, still ok with De Ligt and De Vrij. If De Ligt is out, defense will be in trouble for the round of 16. Memphis needs to find gain his form back. His touch, decision making are poor. Only 2 things that he did well, scored the PK and the pass to Malen leading to 2nd goal.
Austria tried to play from the start and not allow Oranje time and space and had some possession but clearly there was no real cutting edge or quality in their play. I’ve been really impressed with the way Oranje have kept possession and killed off both matches in the final moments. Wijnaldum shielding, and Frenkie both strong on ball and create time and space at a very high level.
Not sure Frank will change much unless an injury. I get the idea he’s quite pleased with formation and everyone’s contribution for the most part. Don’t mess with what is working is “his” likely mentality (not that I agree all is well) .
My MoTM is Frenkie. So dominant in midfield, neat passing as always - and good dribbling out off his own half on several occasions. De Ligt/De Vrij combo is a close second as my MoTM… rock solid!! Needless to say, Dumfries deserves a big shout out. Beast. He played role in all five Oranje goals in this tournament… let that sink in, who would have thought? Worst player for me is, once again, Memphis. It’s weird that his PK goal was almost like a curse. After that, Oranje played safely and never got to the second gear offensively speaking… which wasn’t the ideal scenario for Memphis. I am sure he’s okay, let him save his superpower for the knockout round Terribly disappointed with Austria, tbh. No threat to Oranje, and looked very disorganized. I am hoping to see the big boys getting some rest… De Ligt, Frenkie, Gino, Memphis, Blind, Dumfries. Give the time and experience to the younger fellas. Oranje “B” should be able to handle N. Macedonia. Particularly interested in seeing Malen - Gakpo as the front two, they click really well at PSV. Also Gravenberch and Koopmeiners… huge talents in midfield.
Question for anyone regarding Oranje not having guys on the post when defending corners. Let it be said that I absolutely believe there should be guys on the post. Oranje on occasion are lazy and not attacking the ball which is costly. One corner tonight hit Wijndal in leg and Stek looked dead in cement. Cannot have these problems in knockout football.
A comfortable win in the end and Stekelenburg had but one save to make. The back line and MF dominated the match. It looked like they were more comfortable with the formation than in the Ukraine match. Tactically Blind had enough help that his lack of pace was not an issue. HIs passing was superb and he defended pretty well. Both de Ligt and de Vrij were super tough. de Roon, despite the early card, was more than decent holding in the MF and Frenkie dropped deep to help out which closed up shop for the Austrians. Dumfries with the penalty call and goal was amazing. Again Memphis was a disappointment and he had a true sitter and fluffed his lines. For those interested here are my ratings: Stekelenburg (6.5) - one easy save and just a lot of kicking most of which was good. van Aanholt (7) - pretty nice match for him at both ends Blind (7.5) - got coverage to help out and made some nice runs in to the offensive half; his passing was excellent de Vrij (7.5) - had one slip up but otherwise solid de Ligt (7.5) - had a great block with his head and solidified the back three Dumfries (7.5) - responsible for both goals!! Enough said. de Roon (7) - did what is asked of him but also was better at passing the ball today Frenkie de Jong (8) - always cool and never dispossessed Wijnaldum (7.5) - Oh Captain, my Captain, you never have a bad game Weghorst (6) - just didn't get much to work with today Memphis (6.5) - yes he was really sloppy again but he took the penalty with coolness and his hold up play resulted in a lot of fouls on him giving the team free kicks Malen (6.5) - super sub performance and was unselfish to pass to Dumfries Ake (6) - had one turnover but was OK otherwise Wijndal (5.5) - on late and decent enough Gravenberch (NR) - on late Luukinho (NR) - on for Memphis in the end So the waiting game begins to see who they play in the knock out round. Will FdB rest some players against North Macedonia??? Who knows?
I've watched maybe half or a little more of the Euro matches so far and I don't think anyone is doing this. I don't know why.
I noticed the same. Maybe they are thinking that you have to win 1st to the ball, mark man to man well, and have an easy chance to break out/counter attack so man at the post is not needed. Let's see if these behaviours remain or not. To be fair, Ukraine and Austria are not very good test. Our KO opponents will mark Frenkie tighter and pay attention to their left side with Dumfries and attack our left side/middle. Round of 16 may let us see what this Oranje/FDB are made of and the real test is the QF if they can make it there. Had VVD made this team w/o injury, De Ligt's injury can be absorbed, and its clearly the defense is improved with De Ligt-De Vrij comparing to the last game. I wonder if Frank is brave enough to try with Malen, Gakpo up front with Koopmeiners, Gravenberch in the midfield or not in the next game (if not starting, at least 2nd half)? A likely thing is to start with Memphis/Weghorst and Wijnaldum/Frenkie again. So far I'm happy with performances from Wijnaldum, Frenkie, Dumfries, De Vrij, De Ligt, Weghorst and Malen and there are always rooms to improve. Let's enjoy for a moment of winning the group.
Motm Frenkie, I don’t think we have a midfielder like him on Orange for the past what 30 years at least? I was impressed today with his defending skills actually, because the way he distribute passes and breeze through opponents it’s already normal to see in him. What a player Frenkie de Jong is. We need two more Frenkies and we’ll be set!!
De Jong is under-rated & having him & a 3 CB line-up allows you a +10ish 8 in a 3 mid-field set-up. De Jong can easily play before the defense. Wijnaldum is also good in tight space, in shielding the ball & both can play vertically & do guild build-up. You need a creative mid-fielder upfront to make it trully WC. De Ligt was good, as was De Vrij. Blind was okay, although he is just too slow & will be exposed by an elite team, Ake is also good on the ball & quicker but probably less mature than Blind. PVA was okay thought Dumfries clearly adds a lot more going forward. Perhaps Depay doesn't have the all-round ability to play behind the ST & he could be a lead ST now. Malen, long term also will perhaps be a ST, 2nd ST kind of player. The team lacks elite attacking mid-fielders & wingers to be a World Cup or Euro Contender. However this is the best Oranje Central Defense in a long while & long term maybe one of the best ever with VVD coming back & Holding mid-field is very strong too. Austria just didn't have enough quality upfront & Stek had very little to do with De Ligt & De Vrij having such a great game.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at the BBC was not complimentary about Depay. That said, it's a good thing that even when he doesn't play well, he is still involved in the creation of goals. Think also about that England game of 2019. Wasn't good, but important at all three goals.
It is a strange feeling that I have when the best player in Oranje atm is the RB. I don't ever recall that. We used to have top forwards, midfields, CB or goalkeeper (VDS) but I don't recall we ever have a RB (or a player?) that contribute directly to the first 5 goals in a major tournament. His cross cause a rebound led to Gini goal, he ran to the goal led to Wout goal, he scored the 3rd goal, his trip lead to PK for Memphis and then he scored his 2nd. I'm not saying he is carrying the team but his contribution + Gini + Frenkie + De Vrij + De Ligt are the most important factors so far. Krol, Suubier, Gio and now Dumfries....He definitely increase his transfer market/value with his performances and probably end up in a bigger club after Euro. It is too bad that LB is not the same quality so it is easier for our opponents to make adjustments. I like the way he and Gini hustle back, pressure opponent after losing the ball or after fall down. Other players should take note and learn.