The Netherlands capped their Euro 2024 preparations with a 4-0 win over Iceland at De Kuip on Monday, with Xavi Simons, Virgil van Dijk, Donyell Malen and Wout Weghorst scoring.
Ronald Koeman’s side, who thrashed Canada 4-0 in their penultimate warm-up game on Thursday, were comfortable winners again six days out from their opening Group D game against Poland.
They went ahead after 23 minutes as Denzel Dumfries headed Joey Veerman’s chipped pass across goal for Simons to convert, then doubled their lead four minutes into the second half.
Nathan Ake’s flick-on following a corner found Van Dijk, who beat Iceland goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson to head the loose ball home.
Three days on from their memorable win over England at Wembley, Iceland went close to halving the arrears when Stefan Thordarson’s 30-yard drive was tipped onto the post by Bart Verbruggen, but they fell further behind when Memphis Depay played Malen in to finish into the bottom-right corner after 73 minutes.
The Netherlands got a fourth in stoppage time as substitute Wout Weghorst tapped home from close range, a VAR review confirming the goal after Malen was initially flagged offside before crossing for the former Manchester United loanee.
24 – Xavi Simons has scored his first goal for @OnsOranje in his 14th appearance, with what his 24th shot was for the Netherlands. Relief. pic.twitter.com/czpAO1sp1m
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 10, 2024
Data Debrief: Dumfries Oranje’s secret weapon
Lacking a top-class number nine, the Netherlands will likely have to share the goals around if they wish to go deep at the Euros. Fortunately for Koeman, he can call on one of Europe’s very best attacking full-backs in Dumfries.
The Inter man has now been involved in 19 goals for the Netherlands overall (six goals, 13 assists), edging ahead of Daley Blind (18) for the most goal contributions by any Oranje defender.
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