Netherlands Dominates Iceland 4-0 in Final Euro 2024 Warm-Up Match
Netherlands' Dominant Performance Against Iceland Marks Perfect Euro 2024 Warm-Up
The Netherlands ended their Euro 2024 preparations with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Iceland at De Kuip on Monday. This match served as a final tune-up for Ronald Koeman's squad, showcasing the team's preparedness for the upcoming tournament. The Oranje, who had previously bested Canada with the same scoreline, demonstrated a blend of clinical finishing and defensive solidity that bodes well for their Euro 2024 prospects.
Right from the start, the Dutch team showed their intent. It took only 23 minutes for the home side to break the deadlock. Denzel Dumfries, who has been one of the standout performers for the Netherlands, headed Joey Veerman's deft pass towards Xavi Simons. Simons made no mistake in converting the opportunity, giving the Netherlands an early advantage. Dumfries' influence in this game was notable, adding to his already impressive tally of 19 goal involvements for the national team, which includes six goals and 13 assists.
Second Half Surge Secures Victory
The Dutch didnāt take their foot off the pedal in the second half. Just four minutes after the restart, they doubled their lead. A well-taken corner found its way to Nathan Ake, whose flick-on was met by Virgil van Dijk. The towering defender made no mistake, heading the ball past Iceland's goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson to make it 2-0. This goal was a testament to the set-piece prowess of the Oranje, with Van Dijk's aerial ability proving instrumental.
Iceland had their moments and came close to pulling one back when Stefan Thordarson's 30-yard drive was tipped onto the post by Bart Verbruggen. However, the Netherlands stood firm and soon extended their lead further. Memphis Depay, known for his ingenuity and vision, played a wonderful ball to Donyell Malen. The forward clinically finished into the bottom-right corner after 73 minutes, leaving Valdimarsson with no chance.
Sealing the Win: Weghorst's Late Strike
The Dutch were not done yet. In stoppage time, Wout Weghorst, who had come on as a substitute, put the icing on the cake. Initially, there was some doubt as the assistant referee flagged Malen for offside. However, after a VAR review, it was confirmed that Malen was indeed onside in the buildup, and Weghorst's close-range tap-in stood. This fourth goal capped off a comprehensive performance by the Netherlands.
The Euro 2024 qualifiers wonāt be a walk in the park, and this match against Iceland was more than just a warm-up; it was a statement. Koeman's charges look well-drilled and ready to challenge the best in Europe. Their next challenge will come in Group D against Poland, a game they will enter with much confidence.
Itās not just the scoreline that will please Koeman, but the manner in which his team played. The chemistry between the players, the seamless transition from defense to attack, and their clinical edge in front of goal highlighted a team in peak condition. As the Euro 2024 draws closer, the Netherlands has certainly put down a marker.
Comments
Ethan Steinberg
June 11, 2024 AT 22:08That was a masterclass. The Dutch just don't mess around. Dumfries is a beast on the right, Simons is pure magic, and Van Dijk? He's basically a human wall with a head for goals. This isn't just preparation - this is a warning shot to the whole tournament. š³š±
Steve Williams
June 13, 2024 AT 02:45Netherlands strong. Iceland no match. Simple.
Andy Persaud
June 13, 2024 AT 16:33Weghorstās goal was legit? š³ VAR saved the day... again. I swear theyāre just delaying the game now.
ANGEL ROBINSON
June 14, 2024 AT 15:59This isn't just about talent - it's about structure. The Netherlands have built a system where every player knows their role and executes it without ego. Van Dijk doesn't just head goals; he anchors the entire phase of play. Depayās assist? Thatās vision shaped by experience. This team isnāt lucky - theyāre disciplined. And thatās what separates champions from contenders. No oneās talking about the midfield rotations or how Akeās positioning freed up Van Dijk, but thatās the real story. This is football as collective intelligence.
Deborah Canavan
June 16, 2024 AT 08:04I watched the whole thing on my phone while waiting for my coffee to brew, and honestly? It felt like watching a symphony where every instrument hit its note perfectly. Dumfries wasnāt just crossing - he was painting with his feet. And that moment when Malen got the ball and justā¦ paused for half a second before firing? Thatās not luck. Thatās instinct honed over thousands of hours on training pitches nobody sees. I mean, sure, Iceland had their chance with Thordarsonās shot, but Verbruggen was already two steps ahead - he didnāt just save it, he anticipated it. Thatās the kind of calm that comes from playing together for years. I donāt think people realize how rare it is to see a team so in sync without any drama, no tantrums, no selfies after goals. Just pure, quiet efficiency. Makes you wonder if weāve lost something in modern football - the art of justā¦ playing.
Thomas Rosser
June 17, 2024 AT 03:574-0? š Sure. But did you notice how Icelandās defense was *deliberately* playing soft? Coincidence that their keeper let in 4 goals right before the Euros? Or did someone in Reykjavik get a call from UEFA to āease the pressureā? š¤ Iāve seen this before - warm-ups are just cover for political choreography. Also, why is everyone ignoring that Simons barely touched the ball after the 50th minute? Suspicious.
Joshua Johnston
June 18, 2024 AT 13:14They didnāt just win. They showed what football looks like when itās played with purpose. No flash, no nonsense. Just execution. Thatās what you build a team around. Not stars - systems.