That concludes our commentary of the international friendly between the Netherlands and Denmark! We hope you’ve enjoyed it!
The Netherlands are in action again on Tuesday, when they host a high-profile friendly against Germany. Denmark return home to play Serbia on the same day.
A friendly of the highest quality comes to an end at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with hosts Netherlands besting Denmark by four goals to two. Bergwijn opened the scoring with a leaping header after just 16 minutes, but the lead wasn’t to last for long as Vestergaard levelled less than 120 seconds later. Ake would give the Oranje back the lead before a Depay penalty gave Van Gaal’s side a two-goal lead at the interval. Eriksen’s return stole the show in the second half, with the Brentford midfielder scoring a minute after his half-time introduction and rattling the post 20 minutes later. Their positive play was not to be rewarded though as Bergwijn would cap the occasion with his second finish, confirming the result and the score with less than 20 minutes left in the match.
90' + 7' FULL-TIME: NETHERLANDS 4-2 DENMARK.
90' + 5' Hojbjerg looks to have cut the deficit with a headed goal at the far post from a corner but the referee blows his whistle and penalises the Tottenham midfielder for a push in the back - meaning the goal won’t stand!
90' + 3' Skov Olsen cuts inside and looks to tuck his shot away at the near post but a diving Flekken gets a hand to the ball to make the stop.
90' + 1' The fourth official indicates six minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.
89' It looks as though Denmark have made their six changes and will be unable to use another substitution as Billing is sent back to sit on the bench. The visitors will finish the match with 10 men with Maehle unable to return.
87' Maehle remains down receiving bandaging on his head, while Dumfries looks to have developed some bumps and bruising on his forehead where contact was made. Schmeichel remains close to the referee as the Denmark bench sees some activity - with the wing-back likely unable to continue.
85' The referee immediately instructs the medical staffs to come onto the pitch after a clash of heads between Dumfries and Maehle leaves both Serie A wing-backs on the ground in some pain. The Denmark wide player looks to have come off worse with some bleeding at the back of his head.
83' Koopmeiners looks to utilise the pace of Danjuma, dropping into a left-back position before spraying a powerful pass over the top of the defence for the Villarreal forward, who is beaten to the ball by Schmeichel.
81' These two nations have met a total of 30 times, with the Netherlands leading the series 12 wins to nine. Nine of the Oranje’s wins have come with them as the home side.
79' Berghuis rushes a left-footed effort after receiving a pass from Malacia on the edge of the penalty area, sending the shot high above the crossbar.
J. Bruun Larsen
J. Vestergaard
77' Goal scorer Vestergaard makes his way to the bench with Larsen given an opportunity.
D. Malen
S. Bergwijn
77' Bergwijn's match comes to an end with two goals as he's taken off for Malen.
A. Groeneveld
M. Depay
77' A change in attack for the Netherlands sees Villarreal's Danjuma sent on for Depay.
T. Malacia
N. Aké
76' Ake gives way for Malacia with 14 minutes left.
75' OFF THE POST! Eriksen again shows his class, rolling De Ligt with possession of the ball before hammering a shot from 20 yards out that leaves Flekken rooted to the spot! It’s a fantastic effort, but it shakes the frame of the goal before bouncing out as the score remains 4-2!
73' The Netherlands look to have put the result beyond doubt with Bergwijn’s latest effort, as the two-goal lead is once again restored for the hosts. Denmark were enjoying their longest and most effective spell of possession in the second half but were caught on the break - much to Hjulmand’s dismay.
S. Bergwijn
Goal
71' DELIGHTFUL STRIKE! 4-2 NETHERLANDS! De Jong plays a pass through the lines for Bergwijn, who collects the ball on the left wing before cutting inside and curling a fantastic effort into the far corner! It’s his second of the night!
F. de Jong
Assist
71' Assist Frenkie de Jong
69' Denmark are enjoying a long spell of possession but they’re unable to fashion anything concrete with the ball as they keep their opponents chasing. Eriksen’s attempted chip through to Dolberg is a good idea at the end of the move but Van Dijk wins the header and clears the danger.
67' CLOSE! Skov Olsen charges into the penalty area but can’t initially get the ball out from under his feet in front of Ake six yards from goal. After taking a second to steady himself the substitute manages to whack an effort towards Flekken, but it’s driven wide of the post!
65' Eriksen’s corner looks for the run of Andersen at the near post but the centre-back is unable to direct the chance goalwards - giving Flekken a goal-kick.
63' Berghuis decides against playing Bergwijn through into the penalty area, instead dragging a left-footed effort wide of the post.
62' More and more of the Netherland’s play is going through De Jong, who is looking to get on the ball at every opportunity, dropping back to carry possession forward before interchanging quickly with the attack. His ball-retention skills will be of great value with less than half an hour left to go as the Netherlands look to seal the win.
60' The last two friendlies between the Netherlands and Denmark have ended in 1-1 draws, with the two nations splitting their most recent competitive meetings; one win each.
K. Dolberg
J. Wind
58' Dolberg has just over 30 minutes to make an impact, coming on for Wind with Denmark still looking for an equaliser.
56' Eriksen goes over just outside the penalty area under a challenge from De Ligt but the referee is in a good position to see the play and deems the defender’s involvement fair - allowing play to continue with the Netherlands in possession.
54' Bergwijn looks to whip a right-footed cross into the penalty area for Depay and Van Dijk, who has stayed forward but the Tottenham winger is unable to beat Vestergaard at the edge of the penalty area with his delivery.
52' This time Berghuis opts to send the ball into the penalty area at the first time of asking from the corner-flag but Vestergaard beats Van DIjk in the air to clear the danger.
51' The Netherlands work another corner short between Berghuis and Depay despite the presence of both Van Dijk and De Ligt inside the penalty area. Berghuis is finally able to deliver a cross into the area but a deflection at the outset takes it behind for another set-piece.
49' It took the Brentford midfielder just one minute in his return to find the back of the net, bringing Denmark back to within a goal. More than just his leadership and organisational ability, he’s come back sharp at the top-end of the pitch.
A. Skov Olsen
Assist
47' One substitute supplies another as Skov Olsen provides the assist for Eriksen's finish.
C. Eriksen
Goal
47' WELCOME BACK ERIKSEN! 3-2! Skov Olsen charges down the right flank after a one-two pass with Kristensen and pulls a low cross back to the edge of the penalty area. Eriksen lays in wait before latching onto the pass and sending a first-time effort into the top corner!
46' Denmark get the match restarted from the kick-off!
R. Kristensen
A. Bah
46' A change at wing-back sees Kristensen sent on for Bah.
C. Eriksen
J. Lindstrøm
46' The stands at the Johan Cruijff Arena erupt into applause as Eriksen is introduced at half-time for his first appearance for Denmark since the Euros, replacing Lindstrom.
Hjulmand will be hamstrung in the second half, after being forced into two changes in the first half - with both Delaney and Poulsen pulling up with injuries. Down by two and having seen little of the ball the visitors will need to rely on set-pieces, with the imposing figures of both Cornelius and Dolberg available from the bench - as is Eriksen and his capability to deliver crosses. Van Gaal will no doubt look to calm things down and preserve the lead, perhaps introducing either Klaassen or Wijnaldum to add a steady hand to his midfield.
An entertaining first half at the Johan Cruijff Arena has produced four goals, split 3-1 in favour of the hosts. The Netherlands opened the scoring just 16 minutes into the match when Blind’s cross from the left was converted by a leaping Bergwijn. The next two goals would follow a similar pattern as Vestergaard’s equaliser and Ake’s finish to retake the lead for the Netherlands were both prompted by crosses from the left flank that were met with headed finishes. The Denmark defender would squander the good will he engendered with the goal late in the first half though, when his sliding challenge caught Berghuis inside the penalty area - allowing Depay to double the lead from the penalty spot. It’s been a positive performance from the hosts, who seem to be comfortably ahead.
45' + 3' HALF-TIME: NETHERLANDS 3-1 DENMARK.
45' + 2' The fourth official indicates three minutes will be added to the end of the half for stoppages.
A. Skov Olsen
Y. Poulsen
45' Denmark are forced into another change as Poulsen is unable to continue. Skov Olsen is his replacement.
43' With just under five minutes until the half-time whistle it doesn't appear as though the visitors will be able to cut into their deficit, with the Netherlands holding their opponents at bay comfortably.
41' Further worrying signs for Denmark as Poulsen pulls up holding his groin following an attempt to chase down a loose ball. After trying to carry on the striker has gone down again - which could lead to Hjulmand’s second enforced change of the match.
39' Denmark have offered little going forward aside from their goal following a free-kick as Hjulmand’s side have struggled to retain possession of the ball. With less than 40 percent possession and a single shot on target - the match appears poised for the introduction of Eriksen at some point.
M. Depay
Penalty Goal
37' NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! 3-1! Depay blasts his penalty low into the right corner, sending Schmeichel in the opposite direction! It's an ice cold finish from the forward, who gives his side a bit of insurance!
J. Vestergaard
Yellow Card
36' Vestergaard is shown a yellow card for his sliding tackle on Berghuis inside the penalty area.
35' PENALTY OT THE NETHERLANDS! A clever interchange inside the penalty area between Berghuis and Bergwijn plays the Ajax forward through on goal but a lunging Vestergaard makes contact with his opponent’s ankle and sends him to the turf. The referee takes a second to think and points to the spot!
33' The referee goes over to Bah and immediately urges the medical staff onto the pitch, with the wing-back’s head covered in blood on the right side. He appears to have picked up the gash after a battle for the ball with Ake, which left the Denmark international worse for wear.
31' The Netherlands have scored at least two goals in each of their last three fixtures, beating Gibraltar 6-0 and Norway 2-0 with a 2-2 draw with Montenegro sandwiched in the middle. Their pair of finishes in the first half of this match stretches the streak to four.
S. Berghuis
Assist
29' Berghuis finally has something to show for his industry, registering an assist for the Oranje's second goal.
N. Aké
Goal
29' THE NETHERLANDS RETAKE THE LEAD! 2-1! Another cross from the left leads to a goal after Depay and Berghuis work a short-corner routine which allows the latter room to put a cross into the penalty area. The delivery is superb, and it allows Manchester City centre-back Ake to attack it, sending his header high into the net!
28' The match has burst into life in the last 15 minutes, with both sides scoring emphatic headers following crosses from the left flank. It’s been an entertaining fixture despite the lack of anything on the line.
26' Play is now temporarily stopped for Dumfries, who went down very awkwardly after going over Maehle during an aerial duel. The Inter wing-back appears able to continue but he'll need a minute to shake off the landing.
C. Nørgaard
T. Delaney
24' Confirmation of the enforced change as the coach doesn't wish to risk Delaney any further. Norgaard is sent in to replace him.
23' Play is stopped for Delaney, who has gone down holding the back of his leg. He doesn't appear likely to continue as Hjulmand begins giving instructions to the bench.
22' Bergwijn gets forward and looks to slip a low cross to the far post for the oncoming Depay but alert to the danger, Schmeichel rushes off his line to claim the ball first.
J. Mæhle
Assist
20' Atalanta's Maehle registers the assist with an inch-perfect cross for the imposing centre-back.
J. Vestergaard
Goal
20' DENMARK FIND THE EQUALISER! 1-1! Lindstrom’s free-kick is blocked by Van Dijk in the wall, who can only redirect the effort to the left flank. Maehle recollects the loose ball and whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area for Vestergaard, who powers the finish past Flekken!
18' Denmark look to hit immediately after conceding but Berghuis's sliding challenge on Wind brings play to a halt - giving the visitors a free-kick.
D. Blind
Assist
16' Ajax left-back Blind registers the assist with a wonderful cross on his 88th appearance for his national side.
S. Bergwijn
Goal
16' THE HOSTS FIND A WAY THROUGH! 1-0! Berghuis plays a simple pass out to Blind, whose first-time cross with the left foot finds the head of a leaping Bergwijn! Delaney couldn’t outjump the winger, whose powerful header is no match for Schmeichel!
15' De Jong is forced to drop deep as Denmark clog the midfield and force the Oranje to hold the ball in defence, looking for options. There’s little pressure on the centre-backs but there’s also no obvious way forward with the two three-man defence systems cancelling each other out.
13' GREAT STOP! Berghuis finds Bergwijn on the edge of the penalty are but the Tottenham winger is unable to beat Schmeichel at the far post - with the goalkeeper throwing himself at the shot to make a one-handed save!
11' Van Gaal’s side are knocking the ball around in defence, with Van DIjk stepping forward to provide an option before turning back and giving Flekken a touch. It’s the goalkeeper’s first international cap and he’ll be looking to ease himself into the match.
9' Berghuis combines with Depay during a short-corner routine which allows Koopmeiners the space to deliver a cross from the right edge of the penalty area but Vestergaard wins the aerial duel and clears the danger.
8' Delaney gives possession away far too easily after a physical but clean tackle from Koopmeiners. The Atalanta player is unable to lead Bergwijn towards goal with a pass however as Vestergaard comes across to boot the ball out of play.
6' A giveaway in midfield leads to an attack for the Oranje but Berghuis’ cross into the penalty area is easy for Andersen to deal with.
4' Van Dijk registers the first shot on target of the match, stepping into midfield before hitting a bouncing effort that sits up comfortably for Schmeichel.
3' Depay sinds a pocket of space just inside the penalty area after De Jong’s enterprising run but the Barcelona forward fires his right-footed shot over the crossbar.
1' The Netherlands get the match underway from the kick-off!
Only three players retain their place in the starting line-up as Denmark make eight changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Scotland. Bah stars at wing-back ahead of Kristensen, while a much-changed defence sees Andersen and Nelsson replace the injured Simon Kjaer and Andreas Christensen. Hojbjerg and Delaney reprise their familiar partnership in midfield with both Jens Jonsson and Daniel Wass not included in the squad and a fully rotated attack sees three alterations with Larsen, Cornelius and Olsen making way for Lindstrom, Poulsen and Wind.
The Netherlands make four changes from the XI that beat Norway 2-0 in World Cup qualifying in November 2021. Rotation at goalkeeper sees Flekken start between the posts ahead of the uninvolved Jasper Cillessen, while a tactical change sees Klaassen dropped for Ake. Koopmeiners steps into midfield ahead of Wijnaldum and there’s no spot for Danjuma as Berghuis gets the start.
DENMARK SUBS: Kasper Dolberg, Andreas Cornelius, Mathias Jensen, Frederik Ronnow, Andreas Skov Olsen, Christian Norgaard, Rasmus Kristensen, Philip Billing, Andreas Maxso, Christian Eriksen, Jacon Bruun Larsen, Daniel Iversen.
DENMARK XI (5-2-3): Kasper Schmeichel; Alexander Bah, Joachim Andersen, Jannik Vestergaard, Victor Nelsson, Joakim Maehle; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Thomas Delaney; Jesper Lindstrom, Yussuf Poulsen, Jonas Wind.
NETHERLANDS SUBS: Georginio Wijnaldum, Wout Weghorst, Tyrell Malacia, Jordy Clasie, Tim Krul, Donyell Malen, Joel Drommel, Arnaut Danjuma, Marten De Roon, Hans Hateboer, Owen Wijndal, Davy Klaassen.
NETHERLANDS XI (5-2-1-2): Mark Flekken; Daley Blind, Nathan Ake, Virgil Van Dijk, Matthijs De Ligt, Denzel Dumfries; Frenkie De Jong, Teun Koopmeiners; Steven Berghuis; Memphis Depay, Steven Bergwijn.
With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let’s take a look at how the two sides are lining up - starting with our hosts!
A two-goal defeat to Scotland in the last fixture of group F for Denmark was of little importance, with Kasper Hjulmand’s team stringing nine-successive victories together before that to guarantee top spot in the section. This evening’s friendly may in fact feature Christian Eriksen for the first time with his national side since the scary events of the Euros, with the Brentford midfielder deemed fit enough for the bench after a late Covid test threw his presence in doubt.
Louis Van Gaal’s Oranje side guaranteed qualification to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a first-place finish in group G, thanks to a 2-0 win over Norway in November. The Netherlands are on a seven-game undefeated run since a 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic in the Euros - winning five in that time.
Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the international friendly between the Netherlands and Denmark!
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