The Netherlands edged a 2-1 win over Norway in Amsterdam in a lively international friendly that offered a good example of the quality on offer at this summer’s World Cup.
The opening stages were relatively subdued, with both sides cautious in possession. However, the game sparked into life midway through the first half when Andreas Schjelderup produced a moment of real quality.
Cutting inside from the left, he curled a superb effort into the far corner to give Norway the lead. The visitors, despite missing key attacking figures, looked dangerous in transition and nearly doubled their advantage before the break.
The Netherlands responded well, though, and found their equaliser through captain Virgil van Dijk. Rising highest from a Teun Koopmeiners corner, he powered a header beyond Orjan Nyland to level the score before half-time.
Dutch delight
After the interval, Ronald Koeman’s side began to assert greater control. Their pressure told in the 51st minute when Tijjani Reijnders finished after good work involving Cody Gakpo and Denzel Dumfries.
Norway made a raft of changes in the second half, prioritising squad rotation, but still threatened sporadically. The closest they came to an equaliser saw Jorgen Strand Larsen denied at point-blank range by Bart Verbruggen, who produced a crucial reaction save.
From there, the Netherlands managed the game effectively. Despite late pressure and a flurry of substitutions disrupting rhythm, they limited Norway’s clear chances and saw out the closing stages.
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