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Netherlands Player Ratings: Reijnders Shines as Team Battles to 2-2 Draw with Greece

The Netherlands managed to claw back a 2-2 draw against Greece in the UEFA Nations League, thanks to key contributions from Tijjani Reijnders and Virgil van Dijk. After trailing by two goals at halftime, Xavi Hernandez's side showed resilience in Thessaloniki.

The first half was tough for the Dutch. Despite holding 71% possession, they struggled to break through Greece's compact defense. The hosts took the lead with a goal from Fotis Ioannidis in the 23rd minute, followed by Giorgos Masouras doubling the advantage just before the break. The Dutch looked out of sync going into halftime.

Changes at halftime turned things around. The introduction of Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch shifted the game's flow. Van Dijk scored a header from a corner in the 59th minute, sparking hope. Then, in the 89th minute, Reijnders finished off a move to level the score. Though defensive mistakes in the first half will be concerning, the team’s persistence yielded 19 shots and kept their Group A2 hopes alive.

Goalkeeper & Defense

  • Bart Verbruggen - 5/10: Faced only four shots on target but conceded twice. His distribution suffered at times due to teammates’ lack of movement.
  • Denzel Dumfries - 6/10: Worked hard down the right wing, providing width. Thought he had equalized but his goal was ruled offside after a VAR review.
  • Jurrien Timber - 5/10: Tried to support midfield but got caught out during transitions. Substituted in the 78th minute for Gjivai Zechiel.
  • Virgil van Dijk - 7/10: Key figure in the comeback, scoring the first goal with a strong header. Helped steady the defense in the second half despite early shaky moments.
  • Micky van de Ven - 5/10: Essential in recovery runs but offered little going forward. More attacking contribution expected given the team's possession dominance.

Midfield

  • Quinten Timber - 4/10: Struggled to control the pace and was bypassed easily. Subbed out at halftime for Gravenberch.
  • Joey Veerman - 7/10: Central creative force, delivering the assist for Van Dijk’s goal. Managed 619 passes and remained reliable throughout.
  • Guus Til - 4/10: Operating as number 10, he was ineffective amid Greece’s tight marking and replaced at halftime for a more dynamic setup.

Attack

  • Crysencio Summerville - 6/10: Most direct attacker, winning free-kicks and trying to disrupt defenders, though his final passes sometimes lacked precision.
  • Ruben van Bommel - 3/10: Had a rough first half, failing to make an impact and losing possession that led to Greece’s second goal. Replaced by Noa Lang at halftime.
  • Mexx Meerdink - 5/10: Energetic but isolated up front with few chances created. Substituted for Joshua Zirkzee in the 70th minute.

Substitutes & Manager

  • Tijjani Reijnders - 8/10: Brought fresh energy and vertical play after coming on at halftime. Scored the crucial equalizer in the 89th minute.
  • Ryan Gravenberch - 6/10: Improved midfield presence and ball retention upon entering at halftime, helping shift momentum.
  • Noa Lang - 7/10: Added flair on the left wing and delivered dangerous crosses despite picking up a yellow card.
  • Joshua Zirkzee - 7/10: Nearly scored with a powerful header late in the game and played a key role in setting up Reijnders’ goal.
  • Gjivai Zechiel - 6/10: Came on late and actively involved in the frantic closing minutes.
  • Xavi Hernandez - 7/10: The starting lineup struggled early on, but his triple substitution at halftime changed the game's rhythm and salvaged a vital point.

Match Details

  • Competition: UEFA Nations League A
  • Date: October 4, 2026
  • Location: Stadio Toumbas, Thessaloniki
  • Final Score: Greece 2 - 2 Netherlands
  • Goalscorers: Fotis Ioannidis (Greece), Giorgos Masouras (Greece), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), Tijjani Reijnders (Netherlands)

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