Belgium had to be content with a draw after their neighbours took a shock lead before the visitors equalized late in the game
Ajax’s Davy Klaassen opened the scoring from the spot for the home side in the 38th min after Jan Vertonghen brought down Jeremain Lens in the box. The Red Devils probed and chased for an equalizer after conceding the goal but Danny Blind’s men held firm.
Ultimately, Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco turned out to be the saviour, leveling the scoreline in the 82nd minute with a peach of a finish from 30 yards out.
TheHardTackle rates how the players fared in the game –
Netherlands
Maarten Stekelenburg – 6.5/10
The Everton custodian was busier of the two keepers on Wednesday. Can’t be blamed much for Carrasco’s strike but made an excellent save to deny an on-rushing Eden Hazard in the 85th min, which could have been the winner for Belgium.
Joel Veltman – 5/10
The 24-year-old was below par all night. Looked all over the place, made some rash challenges and almost gave a penalty in the second half.
Jeffrey Bruma – 7/10
A very assured performance by the ex-Chelsea defender at the heart of the defence. Was excellent in the air and made some very crucial challenges to prevent his team from conceding.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.5/10
Netherlands’ best player for the night. The centre-back has been rock solid for Southampton, and he continued his fine form for Oranje. Used his strength well to handle Lukaku’s physical threat and commanded the back-line. Immaculate in defending set-pieces. Virgil van Dijk is going to go places.
Daley Blind – 6/10
The Belgian players tried to beat Blind for pace, but the Manchester United player managed to handle them on most occasions. Didn’t offer much going forward, but a constant theme from him was his diagonal balls.
Stijn Schaars – N/A
The Heerenveen midfielder won his first cap for the national team in more than a year but it turned out to be a frustrating night for him, after he had to be substituted in the 14th min due to an injury.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 5.5/10
Wijnaldum played as a full-back on the right in the first half, and not surprisingly, didn’t look comfortable. Shifted back to midfield in the second half, from where he showed a lot more of his skills and power.
Wesley Sneijder – 6.5/10
Was involved in most of Netherlands’ plays offensively, but went a little too safe with his passes at times. Had some good touches, nonetheless.
Davy Klaassen – 6.5/10
Scored from the spot in emphatic fashion. Played some incisive passes but couldn’t influence the game much. Taken off at half-time.
Vincent Janssen – 5/10
Suffered a concussion after a clash with Simon Mignolet, due to which he had to be taken off at 26th min. Was not much involved in the few mins he was there on the pitch.
Jeremain Lens – 7/10
Oranje’s brightest spark going forward. Won a penalty after inducing a foul from Jan Vertonghen, his pace and footwork caused problems for the Belgian defence to handle.
Subs
Jordy Clasie – 6.5/10
Brought on for the injured Schaars in the first 15 mins itself, the Southampton midfielder looked at relative ease, recycling the ball.
Bas Dost – 6/10
Replaced the injured Janssen in the 27th min. Wasn’t at his best, as he struggled to make any difference upfront.
Joshua Brenet – 7/10
Made an excellent lung-busting run, cutting right through Belgium’s midfield. Belgium had problems containing him.
Memphis Depay – 6/10
Made good use of his pace but came too late to make any real impact.
Tonny Vilhena – N/A
Substituted on for the final 15 mins. Didn’t have any significant touches in the short period he was on the field.
Bart Ramselaar – N/A
Brought on the in the 89th min.
Belgium
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Was called into action only on few occasions, and he did what was necessary. Largely had an untroubled evening. The goal he conceded was from a well-taken penalty, where he couldn’t have done much.
Christian Kabasele – 6/10
Replaced Vincent Kompany in the starting XI, after the Manchester City captain felt discomfort during the warm-ups. It was Kabasele’s debut for the national team, but he looked nervous especially in the first half. Grew as the game progressed.
Laurent Ciman – 6.5/10
Played essentially as the sweeper in the three man defence, spraying diagonal balls to the flanks. Made a bad error in the first half but was generally solid otherwise
Jan Vertonghen – 5.5/10
The Spurs’ defender had a poor outing. Got dragged by his man on many occasions and gave away a penalty, which was converted by Klaassen.
Thomas Meunier – 6/10
A decent all-round display, playing as the right wing-back for the 25-year-old. Was involved in some good attacking plays but was disciplined enough to track back whenever required.
Steven Defour – 6/10
Defour’s work in the middle of the park was relatively easy as Belgium enjoyed possession, while Netherlands failed to string together a decent counter. Was always there as a passing option for his team-mates.
Axel Witsel – 6.5/10
Kept his team going with his crisp passes. Took his chances from outside of the box whenever presented with pocket of spaces in front of the goal.
Yannick Carrasco – 8/10
The best player on the pitch. Was always involved in Belgium’s attack, very lively in the final third and around the box. Scored from outside to box to save Belgium’s evening.
Kevin de Bruyne – 7/10
Not at his very best, but there were still plenty of flashes of his brilliance and efficiency in the final third. Whipped in some very dangerous crosses and went close with one of the free-kicks.
Dries Mertens – 6/10
Mertens’ had an off day. Lacked composure in key moments and couldn’t make the most of the spaces he got into.
Eden Hazard – 7.5/10
3-4-3 has brought out the best from Hazard at club level, similar was case against Netherlands. Playing in a free role, the Chelsea winger popped up in pocket of spaces, producing some very clever flicks and turns. Almost scored the winner with his brilliance but Stekelenburg denied him with a fine stop.
Subs:
Thomas Foket – 6.5/10
Sparkled after coming on at half-time as the right-back. Some good moments offensively, linking-up with the more attacking players.
Thorgan Hazard – 6.5/10
Was eager to get on the ball and tried to create things whenever he was in possession. Registered an assist for Carrasco’s equalizer.
Romelu Lukaku – 5/10
Came on in the 64th min, and rather embarrassingly missed a completely open goal.
Youri Tielemans – N/A
Made his debut for the Red Devils by coming on in the 82nd minute.
