The Netherlands qualified for the final four of the Nations League after winning 1-0 against Belgium, thanks to a goal from Virgil van Dijk (73rd), Sunday at the Arena Johan Cruyff in Amsterdam .
The Dutch finish at the top (16 points) of group 4 ahead of Belgium (10), Poland (7) and Wales (1), relegated to League B. The "Oranje" will play the final phase of the competition scheduled from June 14 to 18, 2023 in a country yet to be determined.
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Nations League standings
Nations League: schedule and results
Between two teams who were playing their last match before the World Cup in Qatar (November 20-December 18), the derby of the flat countries gave birth to a tasteless meeting, with the exception of its last quarter of an hour.
Forced to win by three goals to finish top of the group, the Red Devils immediately settled in the opposing camp.
Enterprising Belgium, but...
Exceptionally coached by Thierry Henry (due to the suspension of coach Roberto Martinez, in the stands), the Belgians dominated the first period with chances from Hazard (4th), Batshuayi (14th) and Castagne (33rd), without much danger however. for veteran goalkeeper Remko Pasveer (38), chosen by coach Louis van Gaal to be his N.1 in Qatar.
Identical scenario in the second half.
Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates were the most enterprising but still with the same problems of inspiration, like the almost transparent performance of Eden Hazard, tenured for the second time in a row in three days.
The game of the Oranje was hardly more exciting but it was more effective: fifteen minutes from time, Virgil van Dijk offered victory to his team with a header from a corner from Cody Gakpo.
Thibaut Courtois then made three classy saves to avoid the 2-0.