The Netherlands are an exciting prospect in world football, but flattered to deceive as they were well beaten by Portugal in the inaugural Nations League final.
The 1-0 scoreline might not seem convincing but this was about as dominant a performance as you could see from Cristiano Ronaldo and Co, with the reigning European champions always on top.
They had 18 shots compared to the Netherlands’ four and Goncalo Guedes’ blistering strike on the hour was no more than they deserved.
Here we rate the players following a blunt Dutch display.
NETHERLANDS (4-3-3)
Jasper Cillessen 6: Perhaps will feel he didn’t cover himself in glory for Guedes’ opener on his 50th cap, but it was fiercely hit. Otherwise faultless.
Denzel Dumfries 6: Overcame a difficult beginning and tried to influence game going forward after break, but given a torrid time by incisive Portugal forwards.
Virgil van Dijk 6: Largely imperious although Portugal’s increasing stranglehold left Dutch exposed at back and he was all at sea for only goal. Led side with four aerials won.
Matthijs de Ligt 8: Thundered into a few early challenges. Immaculate tackle thwarted Silva and led Dutch with six clearances. Such a mature player, but attackers let him down.
Daley Blind 8: Committed and fearless, had to be in face of rampant Portuguese onslaught. Led Dutch in tackles (4) and, oddly, key passes (2). Stoic, might have conceded penalty for clumsy tackle on Mourinho.
Georginio Wijnaldum 6: Kept Dutch ticking along with some nice touches and diligent defensive work. Had blushes spared by offside flag and gave ball away more than expected.
Marten de Roon 4: Couple of lazy misplaced passes gave Portugal upper hand. Faded but somehow stayed on. Flashed one chance just over late on.
Frenkie de Jong 5: Few nice touches and passes and 94.6 pass accuracy led Dutch, but struggled to exert his considerable talent on proceedings as he was pinned back by Portugal press.
Steven Bergwijn 7: Hesitated at crucial moment as he pounced on Fernandes’ errant early pass. Excellent chase and tackle to dispossess marauding Guedes.
De Ligt was a rare shining light for the Dutch.
Memphis Depay 5: His side’s focal point but was frustratingly kept at arm’s length. Didn’t seem able to find key to unlock air-tight defence, faded badly and was wasteful in second half.
Ryan Babel 4: Hardly had a kick as Portugal enjoyed bulk of possession and pushed defensive line up to stifle Dutch creativity. Hooked at half-time.
SUBS
Quincy Promes 5: Introduced for wretched Babel but hardly offered any more incision. Poor delivery from out wide.
Donny van de Beek 6: Would surely have started in a major tournament clash, was typically bright and busy when introduced.
Luuk de Jong N/A: Completely transformed the Dutch approach, earning a corner with an improvised header before sending another poorly wide.
