Memphis Depay gets a 9 after another stunning display but defence struggles in Netherlands' 3-2 loss to Germany

Aditya Devavrat 02:36 25/03/2019
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  • Memphis Depay starred for the Netherlands again.

    The Netherlands resurgence hit a little bump on Sunday as they fell to a 3-2 loss at home against bitter rivals Germany, despite fighting back from two goals down and looking the likelier side to find the winner after dominating the second half.

    Second-half goals from Matthis de Ligt and Memphis Depay helped the Dutch claw back a two-goal deficit after Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry had both scored for Germany in the opening 35 minutes, only for Nico Schulz’s 90th-minute winner to break Le Oranje’s hearts.

    Here’s a look at how the players rated.

    STARTING XI

    Jasper Cillessen 7 – Powerless on both goals that he conceded. Was called into action at other points in the game and made some good, if routine, saves.

    Denzel Dumfries 6 – There were doubts about his fitness for this game and at times it was clear that he was carrying a knock, but with that in mind he acquitted himself well. He struggled at times defensively but linked up well in attack.

    Matthis de Ligt 6 – An uncharacteristic error for Germany’s opener, as his slip allowed Sane all the time and space in the world to finish a flowing move. Made up for it with a superb header that began the Dutch comeback, but will have been disappointed with Germany’s winner.

    Virgil van Dijk 6 – Struggled to deal with Serge Gnabry, who beat the Liverpool star for Germany’s second goal and had a few similar moments throughout the game. Like the rest of his defence, got sucked towards the ball for the Germans’ late goal.

    Daley Blind 6 – Solid in both attack and defence. Though he had a pace disadvantage against Germany’s attack, he stood up to the threat well, if at times looking suspect.

    Marten de Roon 6 – The Atalanta midfielder didn’t have his best game, as he often looked like the weak link in midfield for the Netherlands. When his side were on top in the second half he inevitably grew into the game, but his impact was minimal.

    Frenkie de Jong 7 – Though Netherlands’ midfield were outplayed by their opponents in the first half, the way they, and De Jong in particular, bounced back after the break was impressive. The Barca-bound De Jong was at the heart of the second-half resurgence.

    Georginio Wijnaldum 6 – A mixed night for the Liverpool star. Overrun in midfield in the first half but increasingly dominant in the second, making some penetrating runs at the heart of the German defence. One such run found him in position to set up Depay’s goal.

    Ryan Babel 5 – Had a poor game on the right flank, and it was no surprise that he was the man taken off at half-time when Ronald Koeman decided to make a change. Passed up a good first-half chance to score, allowing Manuel Neuer to make a relatively straight-forward save.

    Memphis Depay 9 – Two goals and two assists in his last international game, now a goal and an assist in this one. His cross for Netherland’s first goal was exquisite while his goal was well-taken, and he was easily the biggest threat for the Dutch in attack.

    Quincy Promes 6 – Carried the ball well and offered good pace and width to the Dutch attack, but his end product was poor.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Steven Bergwijn 7 – An instant improvement on Babel on the right wing, as his runs were more dangerous and he carried more threat with the ball, as well.

    Luuk de Jong N/A – Brought on in the immediate aftermath of Germany’s late winner and had no time to influence the game.

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