Netherlands 4-0 Scotland - Late flurry sees Dutch hammer Scotland in friendly led by Tijjani Reijnders stunner
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Updated 23/03/2024 at 00:44 GMT
A stunning goal from AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders saw the Netherlands on their way as a late flurry confirmed a comfortable 4-0 win over Scotland in an international friendly at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on Friday as the two teams continued their preparations for the upcoming European Championships in the summer that will take place in Germany.
AMSTERDAM - Tijjani Reijnders of Holland celebrates the 1-0 during the friendly Interland match between the Netherlands and Scotland at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on March 22, 2024 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Image credit: Eurosport
Scotland were punished for not taking their chances as a clinical display by the Netherlands saw the host run out convincing winners by a 4-0 scoreline.
AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders netted a fine strike with the hosts only chance of the first half, as Ryan Christie rattled the bar at the opposite end.
Steve Clarke’s side started strong in the second half as Christie headed wide from a promising position and then marksman Lawrence Shankland rattled the crossbar.
However, Scotland were again hit by their clinical hosts as Georginio Wijnaldum headed home with 18 minutes left on the clock.
As both sides made a host of changes the Netherlands took hold as substitutes Donyell Malen and Wout Weghorst completed the victory.
Talking Point – Scotland miss clinical edge which cost them dearly
Steve Clarke’s side will have learnt a lot of lessons from their heavy defeat in Amsterdam.
However, the final scoreline didn’t reflect the match as Scotland had their fair share of possession and chances with both Christie and Shankland rattling the woodwork.
After going a goal behind through a fantastic Reijnders strike Clarke’s side had their best spell of chances with Scott McTominay also going close.
The Tartan Army will be worried by the final score as two late goals allowed the Netherlands to run out clear winners.
Player of the Match - Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands)
The midfielder’s headed goal was the moment which sealed the Netherland’s win after being under pressure at the opposite end.
The former Liverpool man also played a key role in midfield against a battling Scotland side who were treating the game as a competitive friendly.
Player Ratings
Netherlands: Flekken 7, Frimpong 7, Geertruida 6, Van Dijk 7, Ake 7, Wieffer 6, Wijnaldum 8, Reijnders 7, Simons 7, Depay 7, Gakpo 8. Subs: Blind 6, Dumfries 7, Koopmeiners 6, Malen 8, Veerman 7, Weghorst 7
Scotland: Gunn 8, Porteous 7, Hendry 6, Tierney 6, Patterson 7, Gilmour 7, McTominay 7, Robertson 7, McGinn 7, Christie 6, Shankland 6. Subs: Adams 6, Armstrong 6, Ferguson 6, McLean 6, Ralston 6, Souttar 6.
Match Highlights
18' – Save and off the bar: A fine Gilmour cross picks out Christie at the back post the Scottish star’s header is tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Flekken. The rebound almost falls for Shankland but just evades him.
40' - Netherlands 1 Scotland 0 (Reijnders): The Netherlands play it around the edge of Scotland’s box before Reijnders finds enough space and then rifles his effort into the top corner. An excellent strike giving the goalkeeper no chance.
50' – Gunn makes fine save: A fine passing move from out wide sees Depay receive the ball inside the box before spinning to create space and then has his effort saved by Gunn.
62' – Shankland rattles the bar: McTominay does well winning the ball high up the pitch allowing Shankland to run in on goal. However, when one-on-one the Scotland striker fires his effort off the crossbar.
72' - Netherlands 2 Scotland 0 (Wijnaldum): Wijnaldum finds a gap at the front post and meets a cross to head home from close range to double Netherland’s lead.
84' - Netherlands 3 Scotland 0 (Weghorst): Substitute Weghorst is at the back of a pack of players and rises high to head home from a corner.
86' - Netherlands 4 Scotland 0 (Malen): Malen beats the off-side trap and despite frantic efforts to try and win the ball back he slots the ball past the goalkeeper.
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