In a high-quality game between two of the top teams in Europe, the Netherlands and Spain drew 2–2 in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter finals matchup.
Spain took the lead nine minutes
Spain got off to a fast start and took the lead nine minutes into the contest. After Jorrel Hato made a mistake, Nico Williams was set up by Alvaro Morata after Lamine Yamal passed to him inside the box.
Oranje settled in after the aggressive start from La Rojas, after which they began playing football with intent. Finally, Cody Gakpo scored a near-post goal to tie the score for the home team following an outstanding display of dribbling by Jeremie Frimpong. All Pedro Porro saw was it fly past him. The game ended in a draw at halftime, despite the Dutch playing excellent football following the goal.
Frimpong and Tijjani Reijnders combined
Frimpong and Tijjani Reijnders combined to break through the Spanish defense from the left side after the restart, and the AC Milan midfielder put the Netherlands ahead with a flawless finish to the far post.
Hato had a forgettable game because he was sent off for a vicious tackle on Robin Le Normand, leaving the Oranje with just ten men in the closing minutes. In the stoppage time, Mikel Merino jumped on a rebound and tapped in the equalizer following a Nico Williams shot, equalising just in time to snatch a draw.
17 games without a loss across all competitions
Since losing to Colombia 1-0 in a friendly match in March of last year, Spain has now gone 17 games without a loss across all competitions, due to a late goal from Merino.
After outplaying the European champions for the majority of the match, the Netherlands will be frustrated not to win, while Spain will feel fortunate to escape with the tie. Now, Sunday’s return match at the Estadio Mestalla will be crucial.
Player of the Match
As Koeman’s main right-winger against Spain, Jeremie Frimpong was his country’s first line of defense. From the beginning to the end, La Roja’s Cucurella was unable to control his lightning-fast pace and unpredictable style.
The 24-year-old Frimpong had his hand in both of his country’s goals and wanted to dribble whenever he had the ball. The Dutchman was a complete threat to mark due to his darting runs and relentless pressure.
