The Orange boys began the European Championship in Lille with a defeat. Within the opening match, the crew of nationwide coach Peter Jonker misplaced 1-2 to host nation France. A stunt by the French, who put the Netherlands in appreciable bother. The Dutch should now present it in opposition to Belgium on Monday and Scotland on Wednesday to achieve the semifinals.
As a result of reaching the semifinals is one thing the U18 crew has achieved repeatedly lately. The previous 5 editions Orange U18 completed on the rostrum every time, however with 4 occasions silver and one time bronze, the highest prize has been lacking for twenty years. The Orange boys final grabbed the U18 gold in 2005.
However speak of gold on Sunday afternoon was far too early. As a result of the sport with France was extraordinarily tough. The house crew performed with guts and daring, inspired by the fanatical crowd in Lille. A victory over the Netherlands could be historic, as a result of France has by no means completed within the high 4. In 13 European Championship editions, the French completed fifth at finest.
Picture: WorldSportPics
France was within the temper for a stunt
That France was looking forward to a stunt was already evident within the first minute. Goalkeeper Peter Ausema instantly needed to make two saves from an early penalty nook. An early wake-up name for the Dutch, who then acquired into the sport a little bit higher. Captain Lucas Corstens dribbled his method by way of the ranks properly and prevented two corners. Nonetheless, Floris Rap’s pushes had been turned away by French goalkeeper Leon Herbaut.
In the long run, it was France that opened the scoring. Paul Barbier pushed the second French nook purpose, though that probability appeared to be misplaced at first after a stopping error. The failed variation ended up by way of Barbier precisely between Ausema and linebacker Tom Hermus: 0-1.
Later, Teun van Aalderen got here near scoring the equalizer from the flip, however his effort was additionally parried by Leon Herbaut, who more and more grew to become a tease for the Dutch. France more and more believed within the sport and performed with aptitude. Malo Martinache particularly impressed along with his agile solos, wherein he stored 5 – 6 opponents busy on the similar time. The gang was feasting.
Orange additionally up 0-2
And it acquired even higher for the French. Midway by way of the third quarter Dimitri Crepy-Gueniot scored the 0-2 in stunning style. From the again line he lashed out along with his backhand and rammed the ball into the far nook. A shot that in precept couldn’t be achieved, however on a stunt day like this simply flew in: 0-2.
Picture: WorldSportPics
The Dutch needed to change gear, as a result of dropping in your opening sport isn’t excellent. Particularly with Belgium as their subsequent opponent. The Netherlands pressed on, acquired seven (!) penalty corners, however none went in. Makes an attempt by Pepijn Schras, Rap and Olivier Uffen, amongst others, had been met by Herbaut, who turned out to be the person of the match. Till Mees Wehmeyer out of the blue struck. The Oranje-Rood participant popped within the 1-2 and introduced the strain again into the sport, eight minutes earlier than time. The Orange rebounded, smelling of an equalizer, however hardly created any actual probabilities.
One did come on the opposite facet, for Crepy-Gueniot – him once more. His shot hit the submit. The Netherlands pressed another time, however they had been not more than a risk. The Dutch had a nostril for 2-2, however ended up empty-handed. Monday in opposition to Belgium have to be higher, if the semifinal chances are high to not go up in smoke.
Netherlands – France 1-2 (0-1)
24. Paul Barbier 0-1 (SC)
36. Dimitri Crepy-Gueniot 0-2
52. Most Wehmeyer 1-2
