On September 6, 2019, Germany faced the Netherlands in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. The match ended in a thrilling 4-2 victory for the Netherlands, showcasing high-quality football and dramatic swings in momentum.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Germany: 2 (Serge Gnabry 9′, Toni Kroos 73′ (pen.))
- Netherlands: 4 (Frenkie de Jong 59′, Jonathan Tah 66′ (own goal), Donyell Malen 79′, Georginio Wijnaldum 90+1′)
- Possession:
- Germany had 51% possession, while the Netherlands had 49%. The possession was relatively balanced, with both teams enjoying periods of control and demonstrating their ability to create chances.
- Shots:
- Germany registered 12 shots, with 4 on target, reflecting their ability to create scoring opportunities but also highlighting the Netherlands’ defensive resilience. The Netherlands had 19 shots, with 7 on target, indicating their attacking intent and efficiency in front of goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Germany displayed a passing accuracy of 87%, completing 495 passes out of 571 attempts. The Netherlands had a slightly lower passing accuracy of 85%, completing 461 passes out of 542 attempts. Both teams showed high levels of technical skill and ball retention.
- Defensive Statistics:
- The Netherlands made 20 tackles compared to Germany’s 13, indicating a more aggressive approach in regaining possession. The match saw both teams commit a relatively low number of fouls, reflecting a clean but competitive game.
- Set Pieces:
- Germany’s second goal came from a penalty, converted by Toni Kroos after a handball was awarded. The Netherlands’ goals were all from open play, with an own goal by Jonathan Tah contributing to their tally.
- Individual Performances:
- Serge Gnabry was a standout player for Germany, scoring the opening goal and being a constant threat to the Dutch defense. For the Netherlands, Frenkie de Jong played a pivotal role in midfield, scoring the equalizer and dictating the tempo of the game. Donyell Malen made a significant impact off the bench, scoring the go-ahead goal, while Georginio Wijnaldum sealed the victory with a late goal.
- Tactical Overview:
- Germany employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and utilizing the pace of their wingers. The Netherlands used a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing strong midfield control and quick transitions in attack. The Netherlands’ tactical flexibility and ability to exploit spaces in Germany’s defense were key to their success.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team: Germany’s Jonathan Tah (54′) and Joshua Kimmich (63′), and the Netherlands’ Daley Blind (27′) and Denzel Dumfries (81′). These fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at disrupting play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- The Netherlands won 6 corners compared to Germany’s 5, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure. Germany were caught offside twice, while the Netherlands had three offside calls, indicating both teams’ aggressive forward play and attempts to breach the opposition’s defense.
Summary
The Netherlands’ 4-2 victory over Germany in this UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier was marked by a strong second-half performance, where they overturned a deficit and secured a crucial win. After Germany took an early lead through Serge Gnabry, the Netherlands responded with a dominant display, scoring four goals, including a late strike by Georginio Wijnaldum to seal the win. The match highlighted the Netherlands’ attacking quality, tactical flexibility, and resilience. Despite Germany’s early advantage and strong individual performances, particularly from Serge Gnabry, they were unable to cope with the Netherlands’ pressure and dynamism in the second half. This victory was significant for the Netherlands in their qualification campaign, showcasing their potential as a strong contender in European football.
