EURO: Netherlands edge Ukraine in a 5-goal thriller, thanks to Dumfries’ winner

In what unfolded as arguably one of the most thrilling encounters of the European Championship 2020, the Netherlands eventually crawled back to seal a 3-2 victory against Ukraine, thanks to a late winner from Denzel Dumfries, after letting a two-goal lead slip, on Sunday.

Although an open and attacking-minded game right from the onset, the game truly stirred up in the second half after Dutch captain Georginio Wijnaldum scored the opening goal on 52 minutes in Amsterdam. 

The Netherlands team, playing their first major tournament in seven years, lacked the cutting edge to put away their chances in the first half. However, Wijnaldum’s goal seemed to have turned on a switch as forward Wout Weghorst added a second before the hour mark.

But Ukraine were too inspired tonight to back down from a fight as they equalised with two quick goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk.

Yarmolenko stunned the Dutch defence as he cut inside from the right and fired home a vicious, dipping long shot to beat goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

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While Ukraine seemed all set to script a famous comeback victory, Dumfries’ header five minutes from time saved Frank de Boer’s side from the blushes.

Although Netherland’s talisman Memphis Depay failed to get on the scoresheet, he had a very neat display upfront, which would give hope to both the fans and the coaches.

Ukraine will square off against North Macedonia next, while the Dutch team faces David Alaba-led Austria.