The Netherlands put on a commanding performance to defeat Hungary 4-0 in their UEFA Nations League Group A3 encounter on Saturday.
In a game marked by their attacking brilliance and defensive stability, Ronald Koeman’s side sealed their place in the quarter-finals alongside Germany.
Despite a valiant effort from Hungary, the Dutch were too clinical and composed, finishing the match with 72% possession and 22 shots, 11 of which were on target.
The Netherlands took control from the outset, pushing Hungary deep into their own half. The game was briefly halted early on due to a medical emergency on the Hungarian bench, but once play resumed, the Dutch wasted no time asserting their dominance.
Wout Weghorst opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a confident penalty after a handball was confirmed via VAR. Hungary struggled to respond, and just before halftime, Cody Gakpo converted a second penalty, calmly sending Denes Dibusz the wrong way to make it 2-0.
The Dutch were relentless, with Dumfries and Gakpo leading a series of dangerous attacks. Hungary, despite their efforts, rarely posed a threat in the first half, managing just six attempts compared to the Netherlands’ 10. The xG at halftime highlighted the Dutch dominance, reading 2.23 to Hungary’s 0.26.
The Netherlands continued to dominate after the break, showing no signs of complacency. Denzel Dumfries made it 3-0 in the 64th minute with a stunning volley following a header assist from Donyell Malen. The Inter Milan right-back’s goal showcased his attacking prowess and capped an impressive all-around performance.
Teun Koopmeiners rounded off the scoring in the 85th minute with a well-placed header from Dumfries’ cross. The Juventus midfielder’s goal reflected the fluidity and teamwork that characterized the Dutch performance.
Hungary, meanwhile, could only muster sporadic counterattacks, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai struggling to find meaningful opportunities.
Key Performers
- Denzel Dumfries: The standout player of the match, contributing a goal and two assists while consistently troubling Hungary’s defense with his pace and precision.
- Cody Gakpo: Clinical from the penalty spot and dynamic in open play, Gakpo was a constant threat on the left flank.
- Wout Weghorst: Opened the scoring with a composed penalty and provided a physical presence up front.
- Frenkie de Jong: Controlled the midfield, dictating the tempo with his vision and precise passing.
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Hungary’s Struggles
Hungary entered the match needing a win to secure a quarter-final spot, but they were outclassed by the Dutch. Despite a few promising moments, including a close-range header from Szoboszlai, they lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble the Dutch defense. Their reliance on counterattacks was evident, but even those opportunities were few and far between.
Hungary finished third in the group and will now face a playoff in March to retain their place in League A. Coach Marco Rossi will need to regroup his team and address their shortcomings if they hope to remain competitive at this level.
The Dutch Defense Stands Tall
The Netherlands not only excelled in attack but also demonstrated defensive solidity. Led by captain Virgil van Dijk, the backline ensured goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had a relatively quiet evening. Hungary’s few attempts to breach the Dutch defense were quickly snuffed out, underscoring the team’s organization and discipline.
Ronald Koeman’s tactical approach was key to the Netherlands’ success. The team’s fluid 4-3-3 formation allowed for seamless transitions between defense and attack. Koeman’s decision to bring on fresh legs in the second half, including Jeremie Frimpong and Teun Koopmeiners, kept the intensity high and ensured the Dutch maintained their dominance throughout.
Koeman praised his team’s performance after the match, stating, “This was a complete performance. The players executed the game plan perfectly, and we showed why we deserve to be in the quarter-finals.”
With their place in the quarter-finals secured, the Netherlands will now look to build momentum as they prepare for their final group match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday. While the result won’t impact their standing, Koeman may use the game to rotate his squad and experiment with tactics ahead of the knockout stages.
The Dutch will also aim to maintain their winning form as they eye the Nations League title. With players like Dumfries, Gakpo, and De Jong hitting top form, the Netherlands appear poised to make a deep run in the competition.
Hungary’s Playoff Challenge
For Hungary, the focus shifts to the League A playoff in March. While they avoided direct relegation thanks to Bosnia’s struggles, their third-place finish highlights the need for improvement. Hungary’s inability to compete against Europe’s elite teams was evident against the Netherlands, and coach Marco Rossi will need to address these gaps ahead of the playoffs.
