Seeking an advantage in their two-legged Nations League tie, Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands hosted Euro 2024 champions Spain at De Kuip on Thursday evening. Despite an early setback, the visitors salvaged a 2-2 draw, thanks to Mikel Merino’s late equalizer.
Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams opened the scoring within ten minutes, skillfully receiving the ball, spinning sharply, and finishing past Bart Verbruggen with ease. Luis de la Fuente’s side capitalized on their momentum, looking dangerous with every attack.
Despite home fans urging their side to attack, Spain’s disciplined defense stifled creativity at every turn. That was until Gakpo leveled for the Dutch, following a dazzling run from Jeremie Frimpong down the right. “Euphoria in Rotterdam!” the commentator exclaimed as the crowd erupted.
A blistering start to the second half saw Reijnders deservedly fire into the bottom left corner after a strong end to the first. Again, the relentless Frimpong played a key role, surging down the right flank before setting up his awaiting teammate.
Spain gained momentum after making several changes with 24 minutes left, but the introductions of Dani Olmo, Ayoze Pérez, and Mikel Oyarzabal failed to turn the tide, leaving them staring at an unexpected draw.
With the score at 2-1 and Spain pushing hard, Jorrel Hato’s reckless red card forced the hosts into a defensive shell. In an intense finale, they packed their box, determined to preserve their narrow lead – and they succeeded until the last moments.
Deep into stoppage time, Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen spilled Williams’ effort, allowing substitute Mikel Merino to pounce and slot home, despite the Netherlands’ desperate efforts to maintain their advantage.
Netherlands Player Ratings
GK – Bart Verbruggen – 5/10
A tad out of sort for Williams’ goal, the Brighton shot stopper did not look awfully confident in between the sticks – as evidenced by his 40% success rate from long balls in the first half. Poor goalkeeping for Merino’s equaliser.
RB – Lutsharel Geertruida – 6/10
Endured a shaky start to proceedings but grew into the game and did a good job at keeping the tricky Williams under wraps for the best part of the 90-minute encounter in Rotterdam.
CB – Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
A typically imposing performance from the skipper himself and acted as a threat in both boxes, using his height – and overall size – to his advantage as always. The less active of the Dutch centre-backs, you can always count on Van Dijk, can’t you?
CB – Jan Paul van Hecke – 7/10
Making just his third national team appearance, the Brighton & Hove Albion man was composed in possession and measured out of it. His passing was a reliable aspect of the Netherlands’ impressive performance on home soil and he was defensively sound too.
LB – Jorrel Hato – 5/10
His error led to Spain’s first of the night as Yamal, too easily, won back possession of the ball and attacked the home side’s six-yard box. That said, he hugely improved post-error but was then shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Le Normand.
CM – Frenkie de Jong – 7.5/10
His nation’s brightest spark in the engine room, especially in the early sparring, de Jong controlled proceedings from deep, allowing his midfield partners time and space to maraud forward and make the difference. A classy display.
CM – Tijjani Reijnders – 8/10
The opening stages of the first half somewhat bypassed the AC Milan midfield operator with de Jong doing the majority of the heavy lifting. Let off a well-taken strike in the 42nd minute, one that kissed the crossbar. Also proved he’s got a classy finish in his repertoire.
RW – Jeremie Frimpong – 9/10
Insanely quick, Geertruida’s defensive solidity gave the 24-year-old an unlimited amount of freedom on the right flank. That was highlighted by Koeman’s side’s first goal – oh, and the second. A constant thorn throughout, Frimpong was, far and away, the Netherlands’ shining light.
CAM – Justin Kluivert – 6/10
Bournemouth’s in-form talisman often drifted from side to side but also looked to be bright and positive with the ball at his feet. Far too sloppy in the second half, which allowed Spain to overturn possession on a couple of occasions.
LW – Cody Gakpo – 7.5/10
Seemingly lost a yard of pace following his recent injury, the Liverpool forward unleashed a pack-a-punch to draw his country level. The forward’s ball-striking talent was on display again even if he was a tad quiet elsewhere.
ST – Memphis Depay – 7/10
Tried his best to give the young Cubarsi – and then Huijsen – a difficult evening and the former Manchester United and Barcelona man is looking galvanised following his start to life in Brazil with Corinthians. Often dropped deep to link up play while letting the aforementioned names license to thrive.
Sub – Xavi Simons (74′) – 5/10