2014 World Cup winner Germany relegated from its Nations League group.
Rotterdam:
Wijnaldum followed up after France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a fine stop from point-blank range just before half-time and Depay sealed the victory to give the Dutch a chance to win the group when they meet Germany in Gelsenkirchen on Monday. A draw would be enough to see Ronald Koeman’s team advance to meet other group winners next June.
France, despite losing its first game since winning the World Cup, remained top of the Group One standings, but has completed its campaign. The Dutch looked anything but overawed at the Feyenoord Stadium against a French side which only needed a draw to win the group.
The host served early notice of its intent, forcing Lloris into a save after 90 seconds as Depay set up a chance with a run from the right hand side, but Wijnaldum struck the ball straight at the goalkeeper. The goal came after a defensive slip by France’s Steven Nzonzi, whose attempted headed clearance set up Ryan Babel, who was denied by Lloris before Wijnaldum swept the rebound home.
Lloris made a double stop to deny right back Denzel Dumfries just after the hour mark as the Dutch, with a three-man attack, continued to dominate against a listless looking French side. Ten minutes later, Depay struck a low free-kick that Lloris turned around the post. With four minutes of added time already up, Frenkie de Jong was pushed in the penalty area and Depay dispatched the spot-kick.
Georginio Wijnaldum blasted home from close range and Memphis Depay converted a last-gasp penalty to earn the Netherlands a 2-0 win over world champion France and condemn Germany to relegation from its Nations League group.
Wijnaldum followed up after France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a fine stop from point-blank range just before half-time and Depay sealed the victory to give the Dutch a chance to win the group when they meet Germany in Gelsenkirchen on Monday. A draw would be enough to see Ronald Koeman’s team advance to meet other group winners next June.
France, despite losing its first game since winning the World Cup, remained top of the Group One standings, but has completed its campaign. The Dutch looked anything but overawed at the Feyenoord Stadium against a French side which only needed a draw to win the group.
The host served early notice of its intent, forcing Lloris into a save after 90 seconds as Depay set up a chance with a run from the right hand side, but Wijnaldum struck the ball straight at the goalkeeper. The goal came after a defensive slip by France’s Steven Nzonzi, whose attempted headed clearance set up Ryan Babel, who was denied by Lloris before Wijnaldum swept the rebound home.
Lloris made a double stop to deny right back Denzel Dumfries just after the hour mark as the Dutch, with a three-man attack, continued to dominate against a listless looking French side. Ten minutes later, Depay struck a low free-kick that Lloris turned around the post. With four minutes of added time already up, Frenkie de Jong was pushed in the penalty area and Depay dispatched the spot-kick.