The Netherlands overpower Germany 4-2 in European Qualifiers
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E-mail Xinhua, September 7, 2019
The Netherlands shocked rivals Germany on late goals from Donyell Malen and Georginio Wijnaldum to seal a 4-2 away win in UEFA EURO 2020 qualifier at sold-out Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Friday.
The Netherlands shocked rivals Germany on late goals from Donyell Malen and Georginio Wijnaldum to seal a 4-2 away win in UEFA EURO 2020 qualifier at sold-out Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Friday.
The Dutchmen stage a powerful performance after the restart and scored four second-half goals to take all three points from the Germans, who were unable to hold the pace in the closing period.
The Germans grabbed a perfect start on home soil and broke the deadlock with just nine minutes played when Serge Gnabry made no mistake to tap home a rebound from close range.
After a lively opening period, both sides struggled to create threats as the match progressed.
Things changes after the restart, as the Netherlands took over control. Germany custodian Manuel Neuer was on guard and denied Wijnaldum with a diving safe in the 55th minute.
Neuer was hapless moments later though as Ryan Babbel's build up work on the right wing allowed Frankie de Jong to beat onrushing Neuer from inside the box.
The visitors' gained momentum and turned the tides in the 65th minute as Jonathan Tah cleared the ball accidentally into his own goal.
However, it was a short-lived joy for the Netherlands as Germany levelled the scores only eight minutes later when Toni Kroos converted an awarded handball penalty into the bottom left corner.
Despite the equalizer, Ronald Koeman's men remained focussed and pressed forward. Their efforts got rewarded in the 79th minute as debutant Malen exchanged a one-two with Wijnaldum before slotting home to take the 3-2 lead.
Germany pressed frenetically for the equalizer but the Netherlands had the last laugh after Wijnaldum finished off a counter attack to put the result beyond doubt in the dying seconds of the game.
"I am of course disappointed. The Dutchmen played better over 90 minutes. That is why we deservedly lost today," said Germany's head coach Joachim Low.
"We needed some time to gain a foothold into the game. Germany was tired in the second half and we wanted the win. I was surprised that they handed over possession," Netherland's head coach Koeman said.
Northern Ireland leads Group C with 12 points followed by Germany (9 points), Netherlands (6 points), Belarus (3 points) and Estonia (0 points).
The Germans travel to front-runners Northern Ireland while the Netherlands face Estonia on Monday.
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