Netherlands Triumph 3-0 Over Greece in Euro 2024 Qualifier

 Netherlands Triumph 3-0 Over Greece in Euro 2024 Qualifier

Netherlands Triumph 3-0 Over Greece in Euro 2024 Qualifier(Image-Getty)

In an impressive European Championship qualifier on Thursday, the Netherlands showcased their strength, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Greece with three first-half goals.

The Dutch team, who had faced a challenging period, particularly after their exit from the Nations League finals they hosted in June, demonstrated significant improvement in their performance. This win marked their second victory in Group B, bringing them to a total of six points.

The Dutch squad currently stands level with Greece in terms of points but holds the edge on goal difference, with France leading the group with five consecutive wins.

Coach Ronald Koeman had called for his team to exhibit a more determined and resilient approach, especially after facing three losses in four games since he assumed the coaching role at the beginning of the year.

The scoring spree commenced in the 17th minute when Marten de Roon netted the first goal. He delivered a powerful strike into the net after Denzel Dumfries expertly headed down a corner, marking De Roon's first international goal.

Cody Gakpo capitalized on the Greek defense's lapse, remaining unmarked at the back post, and confidently finished off a well-placed cross from Dumfries. Dumfries continued to shine by providing the assist for the third goal as well. He delivered a perfectly chipped cross to Wout Weghorst, who executed a diving header in the 39th minute.

Denzel Dumfries came close to scoring a goal of his own, but his effort struck the post in the 36th minute. Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos also made a remarkable one-handed save to deny Xavi Simons' swerving shot in the 28th minute.

The second half of the match saw fewer scoring opportunities, but the damage had already been done in the first half. This defeat marked Greece's heaviest since Gustavo Poyet took over as coach approximately 18 months ago.

Looking ahead, the Dutch team faces a crucial qualifier in Dublin on Sunday against Ireland, who suffered a 2-0 loss to France on Thursday. Meanwhile, Greece is set to host Gibraltar in Athens on Sunday in their next match.