The quality of the Netherlands stood out as they handled Greece with ease to reclaim second place in their Euros qualifying group.
The Dutch side defeated the “Ethniki” 3-0 at home on Friday morning (AEST) in their Group B encounter to move equal on points with the Greeks (six), having played one game less.
Wing back Denzel Dumfries was the chief architect in the home side’s victory, providing assists for all three of their goals.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a corner set-piece saw Dumfries head the ball across goal to midfielder Martin De Roon, who then slotted the ball into the bottom left.
Dumfries followed up his first assists with a clever cross to forward Cody Gakpo, who controlled the ball with his chest before depositing it into the bottom left (31’).
The Dutch’s third came through striker Wout Weghorst, who headed in a Dumfries cross to polish off a dominant first-half display (39’).
The Netherlands eased up in the second period, preserving their three-goal lead to earn a crucial victory for their qualifying campaign.
Greece will no doubt be left bitterly disappointed after being blown away in the first half, though they will have to quickly reset and get their campaign back on track when they face Gibraltar on Monday.
Greece manager Gus Poyet said this was a learning opportunity for them to understand the level necessary to qualify, acknowledging the Netherlands’ quality as a top footballing nation.
“It was a good lesson for us, we learned the standards required if you want to be in the Euros…We have to improve if we want to go to the Euros,” Mr Poyet said post-match.
France beat Ireland 2-0 in the other Group B fixture to continue their perfect streak in the Euro qualifiers.
Group B Standings
1-France: 15 (5)
2-Netherlands: 3 (3)
3-Greece: 6 (4)
4-Ireland: 3 (4)
5-Gibraltar: 0 (4)
