It wasn’t a vintage Netherlands performance by any means, but the Dutch’s quest for a first major international tournament appearance since the 2014 World Cup remains on course following a 2-1 victory over Belarus on Sunday.
With two matches remaining in Euro 2020 qualifying, a draw against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Nov. 16 would ensure a return to the big stage for the Oranje.
In an international break that’s been dominated by in-form Liverpool players, it comes as no surprise that Georginio Wijnaldum was the difference for the Netherlands today.
The opening goal arrived in the 32nd minute after the Liverpool midfielder headed home a cross from Quincy Promes.
#BLRNED
Wijnaldum goal for Netherlands pic.twitter.com/Wp0YNzc5OL— LFC MEDIA (@LFCMEDIA1) October 13, 2019
Nine minutes later, Wijnaldum scored his second with a thunderous drive from distance.
What a ROCKET by Wijnaldum pic.twitter.com/fuoEIvuXkL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 13, 2019
It appeared as though the Dutch would run rampant from there, but in the 53rd minute, Stanislaw Drahun ghosted behind Virgil van Dijk to reduce the deficit for the home side. It’s a damning stat for the Dutch, but that was the first home goal Belarus had scored this entire qualifying campaign.
But Ronald Koeman’s men stood firm with Euro 2020 firmly in their sights. Again, a draw with Northern Ireland on Nov. 16 would do it, and the Oranje finish with a home match against group whipping boys Estonia on Nov. 19.
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