ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Oct 11, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Luuk de Jong and Memphis
Depay inspired the Netherlands’ thrilling fightback as they scored three
times in the last 10 minutes to seal a dramatic 3-1 win over Northern Ireland
in Thursday’s Euro 2020 qualifier.
Ronald Koeman’s side were in danger of a shock defeat when Josh Magennis
put the visitors ahead at De Kuip.
But the Feyenoord Stadium has been a fortress for the Netherlands and they
have now won their last 17 games at the venue.
Memphis Depay sparked the dramatic finale with his 80th-minute equaliser
and De Jong bagged the crucial second in stoppage-time.
There was still time for Depay to strike again to complete the remarkable
comeback.
The Netherlands sit top of Group C in the race to qualify for next year’s
European Championship.
They are ahead of second-placed Germany and third-placed Northern Ireland,
with all three teams having 12 points.
Significantly, the Netherlands and Germany have played one game less than
Northern Ireland.
Koeman’s men will visit Windsor Park to face Northern Ireland again in
November.
Koeman had warned his players to be wary of Northern Ireland’s “fighting
machines”.
And Michael O’Neill’s side did everything in their power to claim a famous
upset before running out of steam in the final minutes.
“We are devastated. They didn’t cause problems for large periods. The two
goals were very cruel in injury-time. It’s a harsh result for us,” O’Neill
said.
“It was a case of fatigue and we could not hang on. The team can be very
proud of themselves.
“We are playing against world-class players. There has to be a little bit
of perspective.”
– Irish heart-break –
Kyle Lafferty, who is yet to score for Norwegian club Sarpsborg since
joining in August, led the attack for Northern Ireland.
Lafferty was tasked with breaking down a Dutch defence anchored by
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and he caused them some uncomfortable moments
with his relentless pressing.
The Dutch were struggling to find any rhythm and when Ryan Babel teed up
Georginio Wijnaldum, his shot was well blocked by Stuart Dallas, with Daley
Blind blazing wide from the follow-up.
Northern Ireland kept up their defiant rearguard action as Steven
Bergwijn’s shot was blocked by Jonny Evans.
By the time Wijnaldum shanked well over from Depay’s pass soon after the
interval, it was clear Koeman’s team were growing frustrated.
Koeman sent on Donyell Malen and Donny van de Beek midway through the half
in a bid to prise open the Irish defence.
Wijnaldum had an acrobatic strike hacked off the line by Leicester defender
Evans.
However, it was Northern Ireland who snatched the shock lead against the
run of play in the 75th minute.
When the Dutch made a hash of clearing, Dallas worked space on the
touchline to loft a cross towards Magennis.
With Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt caught under the ball, Hull striker
Magennis rose highest to head home from close range.
But Depay came to the Netherlands’ rescue 10 minutes from full-time when
the Lyon forward calmly slotted home from Malen’s pass.
Suddenly, the hosts were rampant and their pressure was rewarded in
stoppage-time as De Jong poked home from virtually on the goal-line.
It was a heart-breaking moment for Northern Ireland and Depay finished them
off when he rolled in his second goal off the post.