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Euro 2020: Dumfries scores late for Netherlands in thrilling victory over Ukraine

The Netherlands have managed to secure victory in a five goal thriller over Ukraine.

Even in a goalless first half, both teams were entertaining viewers with a swashbuckling brand of football.

Denzel Dumfries almost put the Oranje ahead after six minutes thanks to a clever ball from PSG midfielder Gini Wijnaldum.

But the PSV winger was denied by a fine save from Heorhiy Bushchan.

Both sides continued to match intensity without any killer instinct in the final third.

That was until Dutch skipper Wijnaldum found a way past Bushchan seven minutes after the break.

Having signed for PSG from Liverpool prior to the tournament, Wijnaldum began the next phase of his career with an inspiring performance for his country.

Dumfries fired in a low cross from the right, only for Buschan to fluff his lines and clear the ball directly to an onrushing Wijnaldum, who duly finished into an open net.


Wijnaldum celebrates his goal


From there, the game burst into life.

Six minutes later, Wolfsburg star star Wout Weghorst made it 2-0 for Frank De Boer's side,

The 28-year-oid was a recipient of some fine play between Dumfries and Frenkie De Jong, with the former's shot saved by Buschan, only for Weghorst to pounce on the rebound.

Ukraine were not to be undone however as West Ham United winger Andriy Yarmolenko curled in a stunning 25 yard strike to get his side back in the game.

Just four minutes later and Andriy Shevchenko's side had levelled the scores thanks to a Roman Yaremchuk header.

Dutch defender Marten De Roon berated teammate Stefan De Vrij for handing Oleksander Zivchenko a free kick from 30 yards out.


Yarmolenko in action


And the Manchester City defender made them pay when his dangerous ball was met by Genk star Yaremchuk.

De Boer's outfit had thought they'd blown a two goal lead until Dumfries turned from provider to hero.

The 25-year-old, long linked with a move to England, did himself plenty of favours when he turned in a winning goal for Holland with minutes remaining.


An elated Dumfries secures the win


Having fluffed an easy header in the first half, Dumfries did not make the same mistake when a cross from Nathan Ake was curled into the box, rising smartly to turn the ball past Buschan.

Both teams can hold their head up high for delivering the best match of Euro 2020 so far.

But it is ultimately the Oranje who walk away with the points, taking second spot out in Group C after Austria's win over North Macedonia.



EURO 2020 - GROUP STAGE

Netherlands - 3 (Wijnaldum 52'), (Weghorst 58'), (Dumfries (85')

Ukraine - 2 (Yarmalenko 75'), (Yaremchuk 79')

Amsterdam Arena - AmsterdamMan of the Match: Denzel Dumfries

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Andrew Maclean
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Andrew Maclean

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