Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum were the stars of the show as Netherlands beat North Macedonia 3-0 in their final UEFA Euro 2020 Group C clash.
Netherlands maintained their perfect start in the UEFA Euro 2020 as they defeated North Macedonia 3-0 at the Amsterdam ArenA on Monday night to comfortably finish as the leaders of Group C.
North Macedonia made a lively start to the contest, having a goal chalked off for offside and then striking the woodwork. But it was Netherlands who took the lead when Memphis Depay found the back of the net after being set up by Donyell Malen in the 24th minute. The Oranje never lost control from that point on as captain Georginio Wijnaldum made it 2-0 in the second half with Depay turning provider.
Seven minutes later, Frank de Boer’s men were up three goals to the good as Wijnaldum once again hit the target from a rebound after Depay’s initial effort had been stopped by North Macedonia’s goalkeeper. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the players from both teams fared on the night in Amsterdam.
North Macedonia
Stole Dimitrievski: 6/10
Made a few good saves on the night – one to deny Denzel Dumfries being a standout. Stopped Depay from scoring but the ball fell straight to Wijnaldum for the third. Left exposed by the defence.
Stefan Ristovski: 6/10
Booked early in the first half for dissent. Wasn’t all too solid in defence but did make some positive runs forward on the right although it didn’t lead to anything substantial.
Darko Velkovski: 5/10
Made a few key blocks, one of which in the second half stopped Steven Berghuis’ shot. But needed to do better to thwart Depay for the opening goal and generally did not look comfortable against the Dutch forwards.
Visar Musliu: 5/10
Like his defensive partner, Musliu also found it hard to cope with the speed and movement of the Netherlands attackers. Appeared a tad bit over-eager to go into challenges.
Ezgjan Alioski: 5/10
Not the most memorable of outings for the Leeds United star. Got caught way out of position for the opening goal and wasn’t secure defensively. Booked in the second half.
Enis Bardhi: 6/10
Did a decent job against the quality Dutch midfield unit while also playing some nice forward passes for the attackers – one of which led to the chalked off goal in the second half. Forced a save from the Netherlands goalkeeper from a free-kick.
Arijan Ademi: 5/10
Stood no chance against the Dutch midfield trifecta, with Wijnaldum especially, breezing past him with great comfort for most of the game. Needed to do better to offer protection to the backline.
Eljif Elmas: 5/10
A key player for Napoli and North Macedonia, Elmas failed to step up and deliver in the Euros. Apart from a few positive forward passes did little to impact the proceedings. Didn’t offer much in the way of defensive cover either.
Ivan Trickovski: 6/10
Seemed to have put North Macedonia early in the game only to see his goal chalked off for offside. Made a huge on-the-line clearance to deny Matthijs de Ligt a certain goal.
Goran Pandev: 6.5/10
Classy stuff from the Netherlands as they gift Goran Pandev a personalized shirt on his 122nd and final match for his country ?? pic.twitter.com/ZsRQoe8eIg
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 21, 2021
Playing his final game for North Macedonia, the captain was a positive influence early on as he created the chances for Trickovski and Aleksandar Trajkovski in the first period. Linked up well with those around him before being taken off with a guard of honour in the second period.
Aleksandar Trajkovski: 6/10
Looked lively in the early exchanges and was unlucky to see his strike bounce off the woodwork in the first half. Did provide a threat for the rest of his time out on the field.
SUBSTITUTES
Darko Chulinov: 6/10
Came on for Trickovsi in the 56th minute. Finished well but saw the goal chalked off for offside.
Ferhan Hasani: 5/10
Replaced Trajkovski with a little over 20 minutes left. The game was over by then.
Tihomir Kostadinov: 5/10
On for Pandev in the 69th minute. Booked.
Vlatko Stojanovski: N/A
On for Bardhi in the 78th minute.
Boban Nikolov: N/A
Replaced Ademi in the 78th minute.
Netherlands
Maarten Stekelenburg: 6/10
Beaten twice in the opening exchanges but was saved on both occasions by the offside flag and the post. Did produce a fine stop to keep Bardhi’s free-kick out after the break.
Stefan de Vrij: 6/10
A couple of moments that caused some concern but a solid display otherwise from the experienced Dutch defender. Withdrawn at half-time with an eye on the knockouts.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6/10
Had some questions asked of him by the wily Pandev early on but recovered well with time to help ensure the clean sheet was protected. A threat at the other end, had a shot cleared off the line.
Daley Blind: 7/10
Showed his value to this side, always wanting to get on the ball and keen on pushing forward. Strong challenge led to turnover of possession from which Netherlands scored the opening goal.
Denzel Dumfries: 6.5/10
Another game wherein the right-back was a constant outlet going forward. Got a great chance in the first period to add to his goal tally in the tournament but was stopped by the opponent goalkeeper. Replaced at half-time.
Frenkie de Jong: 7/10
Made a rather tepid start to the encounter compared to his standards but grew into the contest with time as he helped Netherlands knit attacks with his silky touches, precise passes and forward runs. Such a key asset for Frank de Boer.
Ryan Gravenberch: 6.5/10
Making his first start for Netherlands, the teenage midfielder looked good in parts. There were times when he could have been better in possession but did well in the overall sense, especially after the half-time break.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 8/10
Three goals in three games for #NED captain Gini Wijnaldum at #EURO2020
Liverpool are letting him join PSG for free ? pic.twitter.com/pSJvxNPLnF
— Goal (@goal) June 21, 2021
Another game, another captain’s display. Always on the prowl to get forward, making late runs into the box, which helped him grab a match-winning brace. Could have had a third as well. Did his bit to help out defensively as well. An all-round performer.
Patrick van Aanholt: 6/10
A tad bit less enterprising than Dumfries on the opposite wing, but still did offer a decent outlet on the left. Created a chance for his fellow wing-back in the first half.
Donyell Malen: 7.5/10
Getting a starting opportunity ahead of Wout Weghorst, Malen made the most if it. Involved in a lot of positive things for the Oranje creating the opening goal for Depay before playing a key role in the buildup to the third as well.
Memphis Depay: 8/10
Looking up for it in the tournament. Lively at the top, Depay did well to put Netherlands in the first half before setting Wijnaldum up for the second after the break. Involved in the third as well, with his strike being parried into Wijnaldum’s path who scored.
Memphis Depay taking care of business in Amsterdam ? pic.twitter.com/mYQCyIJ0cg
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 21, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Steven Berghuis: 6/10
On for Dumfries at half-time. Did his bit to help his team on top for the rest of the game.
Jurrien Timber: 6/10
Replaced de Vrij at half-time and slotted in at right-back. Solid.
Quincy Promes: 5/10
Replaced Depay in the 66th minute. Got into good positions at times but failed to make the most of it.
Wout Weghorst: 5/10
On for Malen in the 66th minute. Used his strength well at the top.
Cody Gakpo: N/A
Made his debut, replacing de Jong for the final ten minutes. Lively cameo.
