The Netherlands concluded their Euro 2024 preparations with a commanding 4-0 victory over Iceland in their final warm-up match. Goals from Xavi Simons, Virgil van Dijk, Donyell Malen, and Wout Weghorst secured the win for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Simons gave the Dutch a half-time lead, and the second half saw Van Dijk, Malen, and Weghorst find the back of the net at Stadion Feijenoord. The match began with the hosts breaking the deadlock midway through the first half when Joey Veerman and Denzel Dumfries combined to set up Simons for a close-range tap-in.
Van Dijk doubled the lead four minutes into the second half, nodding home from inside the six-yard box after Nathan Ake assisted from a corner. Substitute Malen further extended the lead in the 79th minute, slotting past Iceland’s Hakon Valdimarsson after a through ball from Memphis Depay.
Although Depay was denied a goal following a VAR review, the Dutch did secure their fourth goal six minutes from time. Malen turned provider, springing the offside trap and unselfishly squaring the ball for Weghorst to score.
Talking Point – The Future is Oranje as the Dutch Head to Euro 2024 in Fine Form
As the Netherlands gear up for their Euro 2024 campaign opener against Poland, their current form is promising. The Oranje have won six of their last seven matches, with the last three home victories all ending in 4-0 scorelines. Despite making nine changes to the side that defeated Canada, the Dutch maintained their dominance.
Outshooting their opponents 22-3 and boasting an xG of 2.79 compared to Iceland’s 0.09, the Dutch displayed their attacking prowess. France is expected to be their toughest challenge in Group D, but the 1988 European champions are in high spirits heading into the tournament.
Player of the Match – Joey Veerman (Netherlands)
With Frenkie de Jong sidelined for Euro 2024, Joey Veerman stepped up with an impressive display. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder orchestrated the play, providing a key diagonal ball for Simons’ opener. Veerman led in final-third entries, chances created, touches, crosses, and tackles, solidifying his role in the team’s midfield.
Player Ratings
Netherlands: Verbruggen 7, Dumfries 8, De Vrij 7, Van Dijk 8, Ake 7, Reijnders 7, Schouten 7, Veerman 9*, Simons 8, Depay 8, Gakpo 7. Subs: Van de Ven 6, Wijnaldum 6, Geertruida 6, Malen 8, Frimpong 7, Weghorst 8.
Iceland: Valdimarsson 7, Bjarkason 6, Fridriksson 6, Ingason 6, Finnsson 6, Traustason 5, Haraldsson 6, Gudmundsson 6, Anderson 6, Gudjohnsen 5, Thorsteinsson 6. Subs: Thordarson 7, Sigurdsson 6, Johannesson 6, Hlynsson N/A, Bjarnason N/A.
Match Highlights
23′ – GOAL! Netherlands 1-0 Iceland (Simons): Veerman’s diagonal ball finds Dumfries, who heads it back for Simons to volley home.
26′ – Chance: Ake’s diagonal pass finds Gakpo, who crosses for Depay, but he can’t convert under pressure.
49′ – GOAL! Netherlands 2-0 Iceland (Van Dijk): Ake nods a corner into the six-yard box, and Van Dijk heads it in.
70′ – Off the Post: Thordarson’s ambitious long-range effort crashes against the upright.
79′ – GOAL! Netherlands 3-0 Iceland (Malen): Malen slots past Valdimarsson after a through ball from Depay.
90+3′ – GOAL! Netherlands 4-0 Iceland (Weghorst): Malen squares for Weghorst, who lifts it over the advancing Valdimarsson. Initially ruled offside, the goal is awarded upon review.
Credit: EuroSport
