Impressive Netherlands hit Cymru for five
International
12 October 2021

Impressive Netherlands hit Cymru for five

A clinical Netherlands swept aside Cymru with a 5-0 win in their UEFA U21 EURO 2023 Qualifying Round match in Nijmegen.

UEFA U21 EURO 2023 Qualifying Round

Netherlands 5-0 Cymru

  • Tuesday 12 October 2021
  • Nijmegen, Netherlands

Paul Bodin made four changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Moldova four days earlier, but the Dutch took an early lead as a cross from the left hand side was met in the six yard box by Jurgen Ekkelenkamp to slot home from close range.

Cymru reacted positively to the early goal and started created chances of their own, with winger Sam Pearson coming the closest with his effort hitting the side net.

Netherlands came close to doubling their lead through Joshua Zirkzee, but a strong save from George Ratcliffe denied the long range effort. However, minutes later, Redan Daishawn doubled the Dutch lead with Cymru going into half time 2-0 down.

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It was five minutes to forget for Cymru as the second half restarted. The Dutch started with a high tempo and were clinical with three quick goals. Fin Stevens was extremely unfortunate to conceded an own goal as he looked to block a shot, Daishawn Redan saw a shot fumble over the line, while Ekkelenkamp doubled his scoring tally with a superb finish to make it five.

Despite the quick fire goals, Cymru showed a fighting spirit and continued to look for possession and create chances, with Joe Adams driving forward and substitute Jack Vale creating problems for the Dutch defence. Cymru U21s will now look ahead to next month’s international window when they will face Gibraltar and Switzerland.

Cymru XI: 12. George Ratcliffe, 2. Fin Stevens, 4. Brandon Cooper (c), 17. Billy Sass-Davies, 19. Eddy Jones, 6. Dan Williams (20. Oli Hammond 84'), 16. Terry Taylor, 10. Rhys Hughes (15. Siôn Spence 59'), 7. Sam Pearson (3. Owen Beck 70'), 11. Joe Adams, 13. Luke Jephcott (9. Jack Vale 59').

Subs not used: 1. Nathan Shepperd, 21. Lewis Webb, 5. Morgan Boyes, 14. Isaak Davies.

Yellow cards: Brandon Cooper