The Netherlands went crashing out of the World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat against Argentina, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making two fine stops to set up the victory.
There was a feisty atmosphere at the Lusail Stadium which was allowed to go to bedlam in the closing stages, with the benches from both teams running onto the pitch. Referee Antonio Mateu was card-heavy and brandished a total of 16 cards to both sides.
Louis van Gaal’s side were outclassed for the majority of the match and struggled to create many chances. However, a change in tactics of old school, route one football helped them claw back into the match right at the death and fight back to 2-2.
However, both Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis were denied by Martinez which ended up costly. So, here’s our Netherlands player ratings for their penalty loss against Argentina.
Netherlands (3-4-3):
Andries Noppert – 6.5
Almost made an error inside the first ten with a risky pass but got away with it. Made a few saves and couldn’t do much to stop the goals. Didn’t make any saves in the shootout.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Booked at the end of the first half for a challenge on Acuna but did make a couple of interceptions. Also made a couple of nice passes forward.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.5
Booked for a foul on Lionel Messi on the edge of the box around the hour mark and was deployed as a forward in Van Gaal’s long ball tactics. Missed the first penalty which set the tone for the penalty loss.
Nathan Ake – 7.5
Made a number of good interceptions and some strong challenges throughout the match. Made an excellent sliding tackle on Messi in the first half of extra time.
Denzel Dumfries – 5
Struggled to make much impact in the first half so pushed a lot higher up the flank in the second but still couldn’t influence the game a lot. Gave away a penalty with just under 20 minutes to go with a clumsy challenge on Marcos Acuna.
Marten de Roon – 5
Won a couple of duels but didn’t impact the game. Benched at half time for Teun Koopmeiners.
Frenkie de Jong – 6
Featured on the ball a lot but struggled to do much with it and couldn’t manage too many passes forward.
Daley Blind – 6
Perhaps could have marked Nahuel Molina better for the opening goal. Won a few challenges but didn’t do much of note.
Steven Bergwijn – 5
Scarcely involved before being subbed off at the break for Steven Berghuis.
Memphis Depay – 5
Couldn’t get into the match but was without service. A tough day for the Barcelona forward.
Cody Gakpo – 4
It was a very tough day out there for the PSV Eindhoven forward up against some tough-tackling centre-backs in Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.
Substitutions
Steven Berghuis – 7
Provided an excellent cross into the box from the right flank for Wout Weghorst’s first goal. Also came extremely close to finding an equalizer shortly after with a venomous strike but his effort crashed into the side netting. Was a threat when he came on but missed his spot kick.
Teun Koopmeiners – 7.5
Pulled off a creative free kick right at the death to play in Weghorst with a short pass. Also scored an important penalty, scoring at the third attempt for the Dutch and their first in the shootout.
Luuk de Jong – 5
Scored a composed penalty but didn’t impact much.
Wout Weghorst – 8.5
Pulled a goal back for the Netherlands late on with a fine header past Emiliano Martinez as Van Gaal went route one to try and drag his side back into the game. Scored the equalizer with excellent centre-forward play, showing sublime strength to hold off Enzo Fernandez and applying a composed finish. Also scored his penalty to keep his side in with a chance.