Enschede (Netherlands) (AFP)
The Netherlands, with Memphis Depay in all the right moves, ended their preparatory campaign for the Euro (June 11 - July 11) with an easy victory but a sluggish performance, against modest Georgia (3-0), Sunday in Enschede.
With veteran Maarten Stekelenburg (38) in goal and the return to central defense of Daley Blind, away from the field since March due to an ankle injury, the Dutch have logically dominated.
Four days after a disappointing draw (2-2) against Scotland, the "Oranje" first floundered in the first period against the team of Frenchman Willy Sagnol, 91st in the Fifa rankings.
At the break, they owed their short advantage only to a penalty converted by Memphis Depay after a foul committed on Denzel Dumfries (10th).
They did better in the second period with a domination materialized by Wout Weghorst (served by Depay in the 55th) and via Ryan Gravenberch (76th, receiving a recovery countered by ... Depay).
The Dutch, arranged 5-3-2 by coach Frank de Boer, are still looking for a clear line in their game. They are also worried about their central defender Matthijs de Ligt, injured in the groin and left to rest on Sunday.
Fortunately for them, captain Georgino Wijnaldum and his teammates have a first round within their reach at the Euro.
At home in Amsterdam, they will face Ukraine (June 13), Austria (June 17) and North Macedonia (June 21) in the group stage.
© 2021 AFP