Netherlands Held to 1-1 Draw by Hungary: Match Recap & Player Ratings
The Netherlands were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Hungary in their latest Euro 2024 qualifier match. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Dutch struggled to break down a stubborn Hungarian defense, ultimately leaving them with a disappointing result.
Match Summary
The match started brightly for the Netherlands, with a dominant display in the opening stages. They controlled the tempo and created several good opportunities, but were unable to find the back of the net.
However, the breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Cody Gakpo headed home a cross from Davy Klaassen to give the Dutch a deserved lead. The lead should have been doubled shortly after when Gakpo missed a clear cut chance, leaving the door slightly ajar for Hungary.
And that door was opened by Roland Sallai who, after a quick counter-attack, expertly finished a pass from Zoltán Szalai to draw Hungary level just after the break. The second half saw the Netherlands continue to press but were unable to find a winner, with their frustration growing as time went on.
Player Ratings
Netherlands:
- Andries Noppert (GK): 7/10 - Solid performance with some good saves, particularly in the second half.
- Nathan Aké (CB): 6.5/10 - Solid defensively, but lacked the usual attacking threat from the left-back position.
- Virgil van Dijk (CB): 7/10 - Dominated aerially and was a key figure in Dutch build-up play.
- Jurrien Timber (CB): 7/10 - A strong showing at center-back and provided a good outlet on the right.
- Denzel Dumfries (RB): 6/10 - Decent going forward, but struggled defensively at times.
- Frenkie de Jong (CM): 7/10 - Controlled the midfield, but couldn't provide the killer pass in the final third.
- Davy Klaassen (CM): 7.5/10 - Excellent performance, provided the assist for the opening goal and played with great energy.
- Teun Koopmeiners (CM): 6/10 - Worked hard in midfield, but lacked the creativity to unlock the Hungarian defense.
- Cody Gakpo (LW): 7/10 - Scored the opening goal and was a constant threat, but missed a golden opportunity in the first half.
- Vincent Janssen (CF): 5.5/10 - Struggled to make an impact, didn't hold the ball up well and failed to link with his teammates.
- Steven Berghuis (RW): 6.5/10 - Offered a good threat going forward, but lacked the end product.
Hungary:
- Gulacsi (GK): 7/10 - Made a few crucial saves to keep Hungary in the game.
- Attila Szalai (CB): 8/10 - A rock in the Hungarian defense, kept Gakpo quiet and won every aerial duel.
- Willi Orban (CB): 7.5/10 - Excellent performance in the heart of the Hungarian defense.
- Adam Lang (RB): 6.5/10 - Solid defensively, but less involved in the attacking phase.
- Ádám Nagy (CM): 7/10 - Worked tirelessly in the midfield, winning tackles and breaking up Dutch attacks.
- Zoltán Szalai (CF): 7/10 - Excellent hold-up play, provided the assist for the equalizer and a threat in the box.
- Roland Sallai (LW): 8/10 - Brilliant finish for the equalizer, created havoc down the left flank.
- Loic Nego (RM): 6/10 - Worked hard, but didn't have much of an impact on the game.
- Kevin Varga (LM): 6/10 - An energetic performance, but lacked quality in the final third.
Conclusion
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, the Netherlands failed to secure a crucial victory against a resilient Hungary. They will need to be much more clinical in front of goal and improve their overall performance in future games if they want to qualify for Euro 2024. The Hungarians, on the other hand, showed great resilience and tactical discipline, securing a well-deserved point on the road.
This draw highlights the need for the Dutch team to improve their attacking strategy and ensure they can break down stubborn defenses. The next few qualifiers will be vital for the Netherlands as they look to bounce back from this frustrating result.
