The Netherlands’ hopes of winning Euro 2024 were snuffed out in the cruellest fashion as they went down to an injury-time goal after fighting their way back into the semi-final against England. Substitute Ollie Watkins eluded Stefan de Vrij’s challenge to turn and shoot low into the bottom corner just as the match looked to be heading for extra-time, with the Dutch enjoying the upper hand. Oranje had taken a sixth-minute lead with a blistering shot by Xavi Simons, before England equalised through a highly contentious penalty when Denzel Dumfries was deemed to have clipped Harry Kane after the striker blasted a shot wide.
“As extra time approached we felt that we were the stronger team, which makes it extra hard to swallow that the goal came so late,” Dumfries said after the game. The defender had no complaints about the penalty decision that allowed Kane to level the scores from the spot, following an intervention by the video referee. “I went to block the shot but I caught him, there was contact, so I knew that the penalty could be given,” Dumfries said.
“It wasn’t deliberate, it was a split-second thing.” Head coach Ronald Koeman said the manner of the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. “We played a semi-final and felt we came very close, so the disappointment is huge at the moment, but I think everybody can be very proud of this team and the supporters who turned out in such numbers,” he told NOS.
“I think it’s been a great tournament.” Koeman.
