The UEFA Nations League served up a thrilling night of football on Saturday, with the Netherlands sealing their place in the quarterfinals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hungary.
Meanwhile, Germany showcased their dominance by dismantling Bosnia-Herzegovina 7-0 to cement their position at the top of Group A3. Here’s how the action unfolded.
Netherlands Outclass Hungary to Claim nations league Quarterfinal Spot
The Netherlands entered their winner-takes-all clash against Hungary knowing that a win would secure their progression to the quarterfinals. Playing at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the Oranje wasted no time asserting dominance, led by an inspiring display from Denzel Dumfries and clinical penalty conversions from Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo.
The match was briefly halted in the seventh minute due to a medical emergency involving Hungary’s assistant coach Adam Szalai. Shielded by players and staff, Szalai received treatment on the bench before being stretchered off. Thankfully, a statement later confirmed he was “conscious” and in a “stable condition” at an Amsterdam hospital.
The Netherlands secure a quarter-final spot while Germany celebrate a wonderous 7-goal haul
Netherlands 4 – 0 Hungary
Germany 7 – 0 Bosnia & Herzegovina #NationsLeague | #SSNationsLeague pic.twitter.com/6WEvtw1GTb— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 16, 2024
Once play resumed, the Netherlands picked up where they left off. A VAR review confirmed a handball by Hungary’s Tamas Nikitscher, giving Weghorst the chance to sweep home the opener from the penalty spot in the 21st minute. Dutch pressure intensified, and in the 11th minute of added time, Gakpo doubled the lead with another penalty after Donyell Malen was clipped in the box.
The second half saw the Dutch shift gears. Dumfries extended the lead with a stunning volley, latching onto Malen’s flick-on to fizz the ball into the far corner. Teun Koopmeiners rounded off the scoring in the 86th minute, nodding in Dumfries’ precise cross.
With 72% possession and 22 shots, Ronald Koeman’s side was simply too strong for Hungary, earning their place in the quarterfinals alongside Germany.
Germany’s Seven-Goal Masterclass Against Bosnia
Germany reaffirmed their supremacy in Group A3 with a jaw-dropping 7-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Freiburg. Julian Nagelsmann’s side dominated from the first whistle, with Jamal Musiala heading in the opener just two minutes into the match after a perfect Joshua Kimmich cross.
Tim Kleindienst quickly added his first international goal in the 23rd minute, and Kai Havertz made it 3-0 before halftime with a composed finish following a slick one-two with Florian Wirtz. The second half was a continuation of Germany’s onslaught.
Wirtz delivered a breathtaking free-kick to make it 4-0 in the 50th minute and doubled his tally seven minutes later.
Substitute Leroy Sane joined the party in the 66th minute, firing home Germany’s sixth goal. Kleindienst completed the rout with his second goal, guiding home Antonio Rudiger’s pinpoint cross in the 79th minute.
The result left Germany five points clear of the Netherlands with one match remaining, firmly securing their top spot in the group.
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Other Nations League Highlights
In Group B1, Georgia played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine. Mykhailo Mudryk shone for Ukraine, creating the opening goal with a blistering run down the right flank and a low cross that Georgia’s Solomon Kverkvelia accidentally turned into his own net.
However, Georges Mikautadze salvaged a point for Georgia with a late equalizer, keeping the hosts two points ahead of their fourth-placed visitors.
The Netherlands join Germany as the quarter-finalists from Group A3 #NationsLeague | #SSNationsLeague pic.twitter.com/IKIse8CEOp
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 16, 2024
The Czech Republic and Albania played to a 0-0 stalemate, leaving the Czech Republic atop Group B1 with eight points, one ahead of Georgia. Meanwhile, Turkey maintained their lead in Group B4 with a goalless draw against Wales.
Turkey had a golden opportunity to seal victory in the dying minutes, but Kerem Akturkoglu’s penalty struck the outside of the post.
Iceland also claimed a notable 2-0 win over Montenegro, rounding off an eventful night of Nations League action.
Key Performers of the Night
- Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands): The right-back was instrumental in the Netherlands’ victory, contributing a goal and two assists in a stellar display.
- Florian Wirtz (Germany): Wirtz delivered a masterclass, scoring twice and orchestrating Germany’s midfield with flair and precision.
- Mykhailo Mudryk (Ukraine): The Chelsea winger’s blistering pace and creativity were pivotal in Ukraine’s opening goal against Georgia.
What’s Next?
As the Nations League progresses, Germany and the Netherlands can now look forward to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face Europe’s best teams. For Hungary, finishing third in Group A3 means a playoff in March to retain their place in League A. Meanwhile, teams in Groups B1 and B4 are locked in tight battles as the competition heats up.
