The Netherlands are into the last-16 via the kind of solid display which is just fine during a tournament’s group stage. Frank de Boer entered Euro 2020 much maligned for his deployment of a 3-5-2, and that scepticism was hardly eased by a wobbly opening victory. Yet following a win built on the rock-solid Matthijs de Ligt in defence, De Boer’s men have given him the best riposte to critics: six points from six. It also means that players can be rested when North Macedonia visit on Monday.
It was a sultry evening for the contest, with temperatures in the high 20s. De Boer had decided to retain the 3-5-2 that had been shaky against Ukraine, as De Ligt returned from injury for Jurriën Timber at centre-back. Being able to field their first-choice defender meant there would be even less excuse should a rearguard that allowed a 2-0 lead to slip in four minutes on Sunday again prove a liability.
