After an inauspicious beginning, England begin to dominate possession but fail to turn their advantage into meaningful goals as the Netherlands regain control through Gakpo running at Walker on the left wing.
Both teams share a storied past. Both endured difficult quarterfinals before going on to qualify for the final eight. The Netherlands national football team vs England national football team timeline showcases the rich history of their encounters. Both sides have much at stake tonight in Dortmund.
Xavi Simons’s first goal
After an uneven start, Simons scored an outstanding thunderbolt goal for the Netherlands after only seven minutes that was disallowed for offside due to dumfries’s body impeding his path as he ran towards goal – this decision being upheld by VAR and sparking furious protest from Netherlands players and coaching staff.
England regain possession, with Walker winning a throw-in which Foden delivered for Foden to attempt a corner kick, but Verbruggen made an easy save.
The Netherlands played well, as Gakpo surged forward over the halfway line before dropping a low ball into the box for Weghorst who attempted a strike that Rice blocked with ease. They worked it wide to Veerman but his strike flew straight at Pickford resulting in a tied game at halftime.
Bukayo Saka’s first goal for the Netherlands
Bukayo Saka leads the Netherlands forward from midfield and has proven his ability to break lines. Since taking over for Frenkie de Jong following an injury setback, he has impressed as an impressive replacement – prompting Nathan Ake of Manchester City FC to mark him closely and ensure that they contain him effectively.
He was one of Germany’s top scorers at Euro 2024, scoring three goals. Additionally, he started in all five of their matches.
England were more aggressive in the second half, yet still failed to create many opportunities. They nearly took the lead when Declan Rice met a free kick with a header but this was ruled offside; also denied by an excellent save from Virgil Van Dijk.
Memphis Depay’s first goal for the Netherlands
Depay, who made his tournament debut for the Netherlands against Italy in their opening match of this tournament, may be limited due to injury but has made an impression nonetheless. He’s been dangerous on both sides of the pitch and should have scored a second goal but had it blocked at the line.
Foden receives the ball on the left-hand side and plays it into Shaw, who has plenty of space but cannot turn and shoot. Shaw then passes it back for Bellingham on the right-hand byline but his initial cross misses Trippier by just inches.
England regain possession and Depay finds himself back inside the box, yet is unable to get his shot off. While trying to recover a loose ball he loses his balance trying to pick it up and Schoeten takes it from him – dealing a devastating blow for Tottenham’s attacker.
Xavi Simons’ second goal for the Netherlands
After an in-depth VAR review, Xavi Simons’ second half goal was ruled out due to interference by Denzel Dumfries standing offside near goalkeeper Mike Maignan and seemingly interfering with his shot. This decision had to be made by referee Anthony Taylor.
But the Dutch were unimpressed with how the incident was managed. Coach Ronald Koeman expressed displeasure with how goal was taken away and was puzzled as to why Dumfries had been sent for monitoring.
After this result, both teams remained tied on four points in Group D and it is likely either team will qualify with a draw against Poland next, although winning would ensure one of the top two spots in the table for Netherlands and for France it will suffice if they draw against Austria for them to go through.
Bukayo Saka’s third goal for the Netherlands
Kane from Aston Villa makes his move inside the box, turns De Vrij and drills a low shot into the bottom corner. This goal marks his first of this tournament – and his third overall.
Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries was booked for his late challenge on Walker. Mainoo also earned himself a yellow card. Felix Zwayer issued him with an official warning.
Southgate’s adjustments appear to have paid dividends as England push the Dutch back. Foden plays Walker, who crosses low for Saka to score but it was disallowed due to Walker being offside. England kept pressing, with Foden trying his luck from long range but hitting the crossbar. Having seen off Holland they will face either Germany or Belgium in the semi-finals hoping not to repeat what happened at Euro 2032 with Spain being their opponent.
Xavi Simons’ fourth goal for the Netherlands
The Netherlands have lagged behind England since Xavi Simons scored early, yet there’s still hope they could reach the last 16. Declan Rice could’ve earned himself a yellow card when he tugged Depay back at the start of a Dutch counter but Joey Veerman couldn’t locate him and the move failed.
Manchester United youngster Kieran Dumfries weaves his way into the box, but his low shot is easily saved by Verbruggen. Substitute Ollie Watkins appeared set to seal victory for England – only for it to be disallowed on grounds of offside due to offside play by Dumfries; Koeman disagreed with this ruling: “I believe Dumfries was offside but his action did not disturb the goalkeeper – which makes it a legal goal!”
Bukayo Saka’s fifth goal for the Netherlands
England maintain control for some time before losing possession when an attempted long ball over the top finds no one, leading them backward. Soon afterwards, England’s Kane is taken down inside their own box by Denzel Dumfries who pulls him down; upon seeing this happening the referee requests VAR review of this incident.
After giving it some consideration, he signals to Kane to kick the penalty into the bottom corner and give England another lifeline in this semi-final and secure a spot in the final against Spain. With Kane’s goal coming as soon as six seconds had elapsed since having taken their last touch, three Lions found life back on track against Spain once more and progressed into their semi-final.
Gakpo attempts to get behind Kyle Walker, but Manchester City defender Zabaleta keeps him at bay. After that he releases Simons down the left flank but his strike doesn’t hit its target and so they end up going into half time at 1-1.
Bukayo Saka’s sixth goal for the Netherlands
After Ollie Watkins’ dramatic late winner against the Netherlands, England players rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with their fans – one such player being Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka who joined in.
He attempts to sidefoot the ball into the bottom corner but misses by just inches. Guehi then attempts to feed Rice the ball on his right but she couldn’t reach for it in time.
Veerman delivers an accurate ball to Ake on the penalty spot, but Manchester City defender’s header flies high into the stands. Both teams enter into one of three added minutes in Dortmund.
Bukayo Saka’s seventh goal for the Netherlands
England and Netherlands will meet in Dortmund with a spot in the final at stake, making this fixture one of the most consequential in English footballing history. Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham’s heroic performances helped their side to an exhilarating 4-1 win at Euro ’96; it will bring back fond memories.
Game is still in limbo after Trippier’s cross found Rice inside the box but his volley soared over. Arsenal winger was in an offside position when Foden played him into play.
VAR is currently reviewing an adverse decision that went against Kane, who was clearly clipped by Dumfries while making his goal. Replays indicate that the referee was correct to reject Kane’s appeals against this decision.
Bukayo Saka’s eighth goal for the Netherlands
Pickford made a fantastic save as he deflected a deep Cody Gakpo cross for a corner kick, to deny Holland a place in the final and advance their cause further. In order to advance they must overcome England first.
The Three Lions have reason to celebrate. After an exceptional Euro 2024 game between England and Netherlands that came close to an upset result, England are celebrating at the final whistle with great glee and deserve it as they nearly beat them outright for a shock defeat that may put their championship title beyond reach. Ollie Watkins scored one of the great goals ever seen this tournament with his stunning strike earning an xG rating of 0.06. Watkins scored twice during this classic encounter! The final scoreline saw England secure another victory 2-0 win, with Watkins earning himself an xG of 0.06 according to The xG Philosophy!
Read Also : Liverpool f.c. vs Newcastle United f.c. Timeline
