The Netherlands will face hosts Portugal in the final of the 2019 UEFA Nations League on Sunday after beating England 3-1 in Thursday's semi-final, Bleacher narrates. An own goal from Kyle Walker and Quincy Promes finding the net in extra time helped the Netherlands progress after Matthijs de Ligt headed an equaliser in response to Marcus Rashford's penalty for the Three Lions.
Portugal had already booked a place in the final after beating Switzerland 3-1 in the last four on Wednesday, thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Juventus star is in the right form to help his country win, but he won't find it easy to get past a formidable Netherlands defence.
While there is typical flair in forward areas, this Netherlands team relies more on a firm foundation at the back. De Ligt and Liverpool linchpin Virgil van Dijk are an intimidating pairing at the heart of defence, with the former recovering from some early gaffes against England.
The Ajax skipper gave away a penalty when he brought down Rashford, then struggled to cope with the movement of Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho. De Ligt eventually recovered his poise to deny England chances and pose a considerable threat from set-pieces. His 73rd-minute header was the most emphatic example of the way the Netherlands can bully teams in the air.
The equaliser was a just reward for the way the Netherlands bossed possession. Ronald Koeman's team let play flow through midfield, where De Ligt's Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong excelled: Frenkie de Jong attempted and completed more passes than any other player in the first-half between the Netherlands and England.
De Jong and Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum ensure Koeman's men are rarely off the ball. Inspiration is added to the craft by Donny van de Beek. The 22-year-old's timing and movement routinely give the Netherlands a man over in the final third. His energy and composure in front of goal can break down an experienced and well-drilled Portugal back four.
Defending Portugal demands keeping Ronaldo quiet. A hat-trick on his Nations League debut proved the 34-year-old is taking this tournament seriously. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in 10 different international tournaments. He has scored 53 career hat-tricks for club & country. His seventh for Portugal sends them into the Nations League final.
Reducing the lines of supply to Ronaldo presents two problems for the Netherlands. First, the prolific veteran doesn't need many chances to find the net, and he can convert from any type of supply. The second problem is thwarting the many technicians Portugal can load the middle of the park with. Head coach Fernando Santos has skilled duo Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva pulling the strings.
Silva was the star of the show against Switzerland, as the Manchester City playmaker dominated every phase of the game: Silva and Benfica star Joao Felix will move the ball quickly between the lines to feed Ronaldo's movement and the runs of Fernandes. Yet the Netherlands have the players at the back in De Ligt and Virgil van Dijk to blank Ronaldo and edge a close final.
