Netherlands vs Czech Republic Player Ratings: Barcelona duo Depay, de Jong get 6/10; Holes stars with a 9

Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay faltered as the Netherlands bowed out of UEFA Euro 2020 with a 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic.

The UEFA Euro 2020 witnessed its first real upset as the Czech Republic beat the Netherlands in a Round of 16 tie in Budapest. It was an extraordinary and hard-working display, helped by a pinch of luck and a red card for Matthijs de Ligt in the second half.

Heading into the game as the red hot favourites, Netherlands, started the game quite well. They applied the early pressure, putting the opposition while also creating some goalscoring opportunities. Donyell Malen got the best of them when he drifted past all the defenders but failed to beat goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik, as the first half ended goalless.

The second half was a bit more difficult for the Dutchmen, who began to feel resistance from the Czech side. Matters were made worse when de Ligt was sent off for handling the ball, allowing Jaroslav Silhavy’s men to dominate the game for a significant period.

That pressure when paid off when Tomas Holes scored from a corner, striking a major blow in the Netherlands’ hopes of winning this tie. Although the Oranje put the pressure back on the Czech Republic, they could not fashion out goalscoring opportunities.

In the end, it was Patrik Schick who managed to extend his nation’s lead in the 80th minute, effectively dismantling the opposition’s chances of making a late comeback. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over both the Netherlands and the Czech Republic players in this fascinating Round of 16 clash in Budapest.

Netherlands

Maarten Stekelenburg: 5/10

A disastrous display from Maarten Stekelenburg, who looked very nervy when claiming the ball. Despite his experience, he simply did not provide enough confidence between the sticks, getting beaten twice.

Stefan de Vrij: 6/10

Stefan de Vrij defended rather well for the most part. He also got forward with the ball, at times, but couldn’t handle the pressure exerted by the opposition during certain stages in the second half.

Matthijs de Ligt: 6/10

Matthijs de Ligt was Netherlands’ best defender throughout the most part. He defended strongly, making some excellent defensive contributions. His night, though, was ruined after he was sent off for handling the ball, which has a harsh decision on the referee’s part.

Daley Blind: 6/10

Daley Blind was the most experienced figure in the Dutch defence. Unfortunately, he did not marshall the backline all too well, crumbling under pressure up against the Czech attackers.

Denzel Dumfries: 6.5/10

It was largely a disappointing display from Denzel Dumfries. Although the right wing-back was virtually everywhere with his attacking runs, he wasn’t as useful as he was in the group stages.

Maarten de Roon: 5/10

Recalled into the team at the expense of Ryan Gravenberch, Maarten de Roon had a difficult game against the Czechs. He struggled to offer enough resistance in the holding midfield role, especially when dealing with Antonin Barak.

Frenkie de Jong: 6/10

Frenkie de Jong put in an underwhelming display in the middle of the park. The Dutchman struggled to beat Czechia’s strong second line of press on most occasions, ending up complaining about each and every tackle.

Patrick van Aanholt: 6/10

Patrick van Aanholt was one of many Netherlands players who struggled to get into the game. The Palace full-back tried his best to offer something going forward but had to remain careful of picking up Vladimir Coufal.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 5/10

Georginio Wijnaldum did not provide any sort of creativity or leadership in the advanced midfield role as the Dutch squad crumbled around him as soon as de Ligt was sent off. Not a good look for the captain.

Memphis Depay: 6.5/10

Memphis Depay shone in the first fifteen minutes of the game. After that, the recently signed Barcelona winger had difficulties getting the better of the Czech defender while his deliveries from set-pieces were also underwhelming.

Donyell Malen: 6/10

Preferred over Wout Weghorst, Donyell Malen missed the Netherlands’ biggest chance of the game when he couldn’t square the ball off past Tomas Vaclik. Linked up well early on but disappeared as the game progressed.

SUBSTITUTES

Quincy Promes: 4/10

Quincy Promes replaced Malen around the hour mark in order to provide more freshness in the Dutch attack. Had very little impact on the proceedings, though.

Wout Weghorst: 6/10

Wout Weghorst was brought in place of de Roon in the 73rd minute. Operated as a target man but didn’t find any goalscoring opportunities.

Steven Berghuis: N/A

A late replacement for van Aanholt. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.

Jurrien Timber: N/A

A late replacement for Blind. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.

Czech Republic

Tomas Vaclik: 7/10

Tomas Vaclik had one or two nervy moments in an otherwise competent performance. He deserves a lot of credit for keeping out Malen by coming out of his box in time. A deserved clean sheet.

Vladimir Coufal: 7.5/10

Vladimir Coufal was not very effective with his forays down the flanks that was let down by poor touches. However, his work ethic and constant pressure on the far side did make life difficult for the opposition.

Ondrej Celustka: 8/10

Ondrej Celustka barely put a foot wrong in the defensive department. He used his experience and leadership to marshall the Czech backline, keeping the Dutch quiet throughout the game.

Tomas Kalas: 8.5/10

Tomas Kalas was perhaps Czech Republic’s best defender in this game. He made some important blocks and tackles in the early phases before a pullback header to set up Tomas Holes for the winner. An inspired performance from the ex-Chelsea starlet.

Pavel Kaderabek: 7/10

Replaced Jan Boril at left-back, Pavel Kaderabek put in a valiant display out wide. He was not involved in the final third as much as Coufal but kept Dumfries quiet for the most part.

Tomas Holes: 9/10

Tomas Holes was by far the best player for the Czech Republic. He was part of the solid second line of press that neutralised the threat of Wijnaldum and de Jong. But most importantly, the midfielder got forward admirably, notably scoring the winner as well as brilliantly setting up Patrik Schick for the second goal.

Tomas Soucek: 8.5/10

Tomas Soucek produced a monstrous performance in the middle of the park. He was often unbeatable in midfield, making inch-perfect tackles and keeping out the opposition from dominating the game.

Lukas Masopust: 6.5/10

Lukas Masopust was not as effective as some of his teammates. He tried to make things happen from the right flank but lacked the creativity to do so.

Antonin Barak: 8/10

Antonin Barak was heavily involved in the proceedings, but his end product was miserable, to say the least. That changed in the second half, when the Hellas Verona playmaker improved admirably, becoming Czechia’s creator-in-chief.

Petr Sevcik: 6.5/10

Petr Sevcik offered the work rate in the Czech Republic, often drifting infield to try and create to quick build-up sequence. He was not exactly successful, though.

Patrik Schick: 7.5/10

It was another valiant display from Patrik Schick, who remained a threat for the Dutch defence throughout the game. He was not offered any clear cut opportunities for the most part, but when he was, the Bayer Leverkusen attacker took it with aplomb, scoring the late goal that extended his nation’s lead.

SUBSTITUTES

Jakub Jankto: N/A

A late replacement for Masopust. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.

Adam Hlozek: N/A

A late replacement for Sevcik. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.

Alex Kral: N/A

A late replacement for Holes. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.

Michael Krmencik: N/A

A late replacement for Schick. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.

Michal Sadilek: N/A

A late replacement for Barak. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.