The Dutch Juniors also won the sixth match of the European Championship qualification. After a crazy final phase with three goals in injury time, Sweden won 2-4. The Dutch goals were scored by Sontje Hansen, Ruben van Bommel (two goals) and substitute Noah Ohio.
Michael Reiziger made some changes compared to the match he won against Jong Gibraltar (1-0). This time a spot was made available for Kenneth Taylor in midfield, meaning Calvin Twigt had to start on the reserve bench. We also saw two new names in the front line.
Hansen and Emanuel Emegha appeared at the kick-off. They replaced Million Manhoef and Ohio respectively. The latter scored the only goal in the previous game. On the Young Sweden side, there were starting places for Casper Widell (Excelsior) and Joel Voelkerling Persson (Vitesse), among others.
The first half saw an up and down match. Both teams created a few chances, before the Swedish talents took the lead after about 35 minutes of play. Sebastian Nanasi was thrust into the depth and came face to face with goalkeeper Calvin Raatsie. The winger’s effort was touched, but ended up in the goal: 1-0.
The Dutch Juniors wouldn’t need long to come alongside. The Swedish keeper failed to properly process a cross from Taylor, causing the ball to end up at Hansen’s feet. The NEC attacker then finished calmly: 1-1.
In the second act, the Dutch Juniors gained more control over the opponent and that ultimately resulted in a lead. From the edge of the sixteen-meter area, substitute Youri Regeer decided to give it a try. His effort found the post, but Van Bommel scored convincingly on the rebound: 1-2.
In the final phase of the game, the Swedes became slightly stronger, but this did not lead to great opportunities for a long time. In a counterattack to a Swedish attack, the Netherlands still became dangerous. Ohio was put away by Manhoef and face to face with the Scandinavian goalkeeper, the Standard Liège striker did not fail: 1-3.
After Ohio’s goal, Sweden still became dangerous and that led to a tying goal. Joakim Persson made it 2-3 from a corner kick from FC Copenhagen talent Roony Bardghji. However, it would not come to a comeback, as the Jong Oranje managed to score again almost immediately after the Swedish goal. On a pass from Ohio, Van Bommel scored his second of the evening: 2-4.
The victory means that the Dutch Juniors remain the leader in Group C of the European Championship qualification for the time being. Number two Georgia is eight points behind, but has so far played one game less.