Many Dutch people rub their eyes in amazement at the names of the heroes who will be celebrated after the 2-0 win against Austria and the amazingly smooth progression to the second round of this European Championship.

Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona, ​​whose elegance even Lionel Messi delights, was also on the pitch, yes.

Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus Turin entered the European Championship after recovering from groin problems and defended alongside Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan). Georginio Wijnaldum, who is moving to Paris St-Germain from Liverpool FC, played well. The formative Dutchmen of this first tournament phase, however, have different names: Wout Weghorst, Denzel Dumfries, Memphis Depay. Even the energetic hardworker Marten de Roon plays an unexpectedly important role.

The country quarrels and strangers with this team, which does not want to fit into the patterns in the minds of the supporters.

To have less possession of the ball in a duel with the Austrians, who are influenced by the RB school, is like a culture shock.

A coach who doesn't talk about the offensive, but says: "We missed almost no chances today, we were good." At some point de Boer was asked whether this team was one of the contenders for the title, he had to smile .

There are still "a lot of things" that need to be "improved", but: "I know that if we show our best, we can beat anyone."

"When a flank comes, it's luck"

Many Dutch people have yet to be convinced of this. The musician and author Nico Dijkshoorn claimed in a column that the rather powerful than filigree game of the Wolfsburg attacker Weghorst was like a "raised middle finger to the Cruyff School". Former international René van der Gijp, who belongs to the large community of Dutch experts, said of Dumfries: "When a cross comes, it's luck."

In the reality of this European Championship, Weghorst had again contributed a lot to the fact that Holland is a really disgusting opponent. Even if he competes in the Champions League with his Wolfsburg players next year, this historically and internationally rather insignificant club will damage his reputation at home. A job in the Premier League or one of the Milanese clubs would probably be very beneficial for his national team career.

And Dumfries, who allegedly cannot cross, sat for the second time with the trophy for the star of the evening in the Amsterdam stadium. Reluctantly, almost shyly, he announced: “I have tried to look for my options. It's nice that I was able to contribute to this victory. ”Those were small words for a great performance that this storming full-back has delivered in the tournament so far. Dumfries was involved in all Dutch tournament hits.

The 1-0 win against Austria came from a penalty after David Alaba had fouled him, the 2-0 he scored himself. He scored the winning goal against Ukraine after preparing the first two goals with energetic wing runs. At least now Dumfries should be a sought-after player on the transfer market. Dynamic full-backs, whose actions affect the opponent's penalty area and create a high risk of scoring, are ultimately in great demand in the big leagues.

It is the misunderstood and disdained players who shape the previous Dutch European Championship project, Memphis Depay is one of them.

Most recently, he missed participation in the Champions League with Olympique Lyon after failing to establish himself at Manchester United in previous years.

At the moment, the shooter doesn't even have a club to beat Austria 1-0 and can join a new employer for free.

Now that it is certain that the Dutch finish the group as first in the table, it is discussed whether Frank de Boer should use the game against North Macedonia this Monday (6 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the European Football Championship and on MagentaTV) to win a few to try new things.

For example, a storm with Eindhoven's Donyell Malen, who prepared Dumfries' 2-0 against Austria.

There are also a few transfer market stories about painting, the PSV Eindhoven professional is said to be about to sign a contract with Borussia Dortmund. "He can fight, run, run, score a lot of goals," said de Boer about the attacker, who could fit in as successor and Jadon Sancho and representative of Erling Haaland for BVB. De Boer already indicated that he would not strive for a fundamental change of course. That won't suit all Dutch people, but the fundamentalists still have the alternative of going to the theater.

In front of the stadium, the musical “14” is advertised on large displays, “een brutale ode aan Johan Cruijff”, it says - “a cheeky ode to Johan Cruyff”. Football enthusiasts may find this show more engaging than the appearances of a team that is successful but continues to struggle to gain real recognition from its supporters.