For the last few months, a trophy cabinet nestled within the KNVB Campus in Zeist, Netherlands has sat empty, gathering dust as it awaited the arrival of silverware. Some might have dismissed it as an invitation to misfortune. On Thursday, it was proven to be a manifestation of destiny.
A 1-0 victory over holders Spain in Bucharest, Romania, delivered the Dutch their first ever Euro Under-19 Championship title, captain Givairo Read’s low cross deflecting in via La Roja goalkeeper Raúl Jiménez to decide a hard-fought contest at Giulesti Stadium.
The green and white confetti that showered Peter van der Veen’s squad as they hoisted the trophy was a fitting nod to the inspiration behind their empty cabinet ‘token’.
The Dutch coach, who led his country’s Under 17s to EURO victory in 2019, had been inspired by the Boston Celtics’ use of a vacant NBA Championship banner space en route to their 2008 triumph.
Victory also filled out a broader collection, as the Netherlands joined Germany as only the second side to win all of UEFA’s current men’s and women’s national team titles.
CAGEY FIRST HALF
Walking out to the field to a rousing reception from 6,159 fans, both teams stuck to their winning combination from the semi-finals, opting for a 4-3-3 formation.
Following a quick team move, the Netherlands fashioned their first chance in the third minute, but Read’s shot from close range was blocked. Spain’s No. 9, Omar Janneh, had a couple of chances soon after – the forward’s low shot coming off the post.
Chaos unfolded in the box in the 22nd minute when, from a corner kick, Read had his shot from five yards out saved while Don-Angelo Konadu couldn’t do much on the follow-up.
Around the half-hour mark, Spain defender Jon Martin’s header flew just above the net before the Dutch defenders were caught napping in defence, allowing midfielder Oscar Marcos to pounce on the ball. However, he lost his footing, failing to tap it home.
The Spaniards, who battled past Germany in an 11-goal thriller in the semi-finals, kept testing the Dutch with more shots as the intensity increased, with Izan Merino forcing keeper Joeri Heerkeens to save his thumping long-range effort.
The cagey first-half affair ended with Aymen Sliti’s effort from the left side of the box being stopped by the keeper.
OWN GOAL DECIDES BATTLE
The Netherlands, who knocked out hosts Romania in the semi-finals, enjoyed an encouraging start to the second half with Mark Verkuiji shooting from a tight angle on the right side of the box, missing the far corner by just a few inches.
Spain had the best chance of the match in the 50th minute, as Antonio Cordero’s solid effort from outside the box ricocheted off the right post. Two minutes later, Marcos’s shot from about 10 yards hit the woodwork.
In the 53rd minute, Dutch midfielder Smit’s courageous long-range effort hit the side-netting before Spanish keeper Jimenez rushed off his line to stop Ayoub Oufkir.
The Dutch finally found the lead in the 63rd minute when Read rushed into the box and fired a low cross, which took a deflection off goalkeeper Jimenez before entering the net.
Spain nearly equalised in the 75th minute when Heerkens denied Alejandro Monserrate, who struck a shot from the edge of the box towards the roof of the net.
The Netherlands could have had another goal in the 88th minute when Ayoub Oufkir flicked the ball from inside the box, only for the keeper to tip it over the crossbar. The No. 7 also had a chance in added time when he danced his way into the box and went around the keeper, but couldn’t beat him.
Spain grew desperate in the closing stages, but the Dutch held on to their narrow lead, closing out the match.
While the Dutch backroom staff and substitutes ran from the sidelines to join the team celebrations on the field, a bunch of Spain players squared off against their opponents, expressing their rage against a penalty appeal which went unentertained by the referee in the final minute of the game.
After the chaos calmed down, the Dutch squad finally grooved in joy, dancing to the tune of “Freed from Desire”, bringing an end to their remarkable journey at the continental championships.
@ AIPS