Frank de Boer’s conviction that the Netherlands had the quality to win Euro 2020 came with a caveat: “If everything fits into place.” Everything fell apart in Budapest, however, where a Dutch team supposedly growing in form and belief suddenly self-destructed. The Czech Republic capitalised expertly to book a quarter-final date with Denmark in Baku on Saturday.
The Netherlands’ defensive leader, Matthijs de Ligt, was sent off for deliberate handball in the 55th minute with the game goalless. A nation’s hopes departed with him. Jaroslav Silhavy’s team had been disciplined, dangerous and determined from the outset and those attributes prospered with a numerical advantage.
Written by Andy Hunter at the Puskas Arena
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/27/netherlands-czech-republic-euro-2020-match-report under the title “Czechs bounce into last eight after Matthijs de Ligt sparks Dutch implosion”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
