Dumfries has the key as Netherlands win 5-goal thriller against Ukraine in Euro 2020

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, June 14, 2021
Adjust font size:

AMSTERDAM, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Dutch wingback Denzel Dumfries produced two assists and scored the winning goal as the Netherlands got the ball rolling on their European Championship campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win against the Ukraine.

Ukraine fought back from 2-0 down as all the goals came in a frantic second half, but Dumfries' powerful header five minutes from time game earned Frank De Boer's side a win they deserved for their high pressing and swift passing display.

The game got off to a flying start with Dutch striker Memphis Depay running from the halfway line before his low shot was saved by Heorhiy Bushchan in the Ukraine goal, before Andriy Yarmolenko had a chance at the other end.

Dumfries then saw a chance saved before the Dutch wingback's cross to Georgino Wijnaldum ended up with the former Liverpool play shooting just over.

Ukraine was forced into a change in the 12th minute when Oleksandr Zubkov had to limp off to be replaced by Marlos.

Bushchan did well to get down when it looked as if Wout Weghorst was going to dribble around him after some swift passing, before Van Aanholt did well to produce a last-ditch tackle when it looked as if Yarmolenko was going to work his way into the area.

Yarmolenko then worked a chance at the end of the area, but could only shoot straight at Maarten Stekelenburg.

A breathless first half then ended with two great chances for the home side as Bushchan acrobatically saved Wijnaldum's volley before Dumfries headed Wijnaldum's cross wide off the far post when it looked easier to score.

The Netherlands took the lead seven minutes after the break when Bushchan could only parry Dumfries' low cross to the edge of the area for the onrushing Wijnaldum to produce an assured left foot finish.

Six minutes later it was 2-0 after Dumfries caused havoc again in the Ukraine penalty area with Weghorst lashing the ball home from eight yards as the Ukrainians complained the wing back had fouled Vitaly Mykolenko as the ball ran loose.

Ukraine had threatened in the first half, but the two goals left Andry Schevchenko's side looking out for the count until the 75th minute when Yarmolenko gave them a lifeline with a magnificent left foot shot that curled and dipped to give Stekelenburg no chance.

The Dutch didn't heed the warning and Ukraine were level in the 79th minute when Roman Yaremchuk's powerful header from Ruslan Malinovskiy's free kick levelled the score.

It looked as if those goals would earn them a point, but Dumfries' late header decided a game that kept fans chewing their nails until the final whistle. Enditem

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter