Mueez Ajao
– The Netherlands began their Nations League campaign with a dominant win against a dire Belgium, who also lost Romelu Lukaku to injury.
– Memphis Depay was the Dutch star, scoring two superbly taken close-range goals in the rout in Brussels.
– Tottenham’s Steven Bergwijn was also on target, netting a long-range opener, with Denzel Dumfries scoring the other via a close-range tap-in.
Also Read: Netherlands through to World Cup with win over Norway
– Michy Batshuayi headed a consolation for Belgium in added time.
– It was a frustrating night overall, though, for the Red Devils, with Timothy Castagne striking the bar with a rising shot with the score at 0-0 and the Leicester player also seeing a goal ruled out by VAR after Batshuayi was spotted in an offside position in the build-up.
– Dries Mertens also struck the woodwork with an angled shot late in the game for Roberto Martinez’s team.
– Anything but a handsome win would have been scant reward for what was a superb display from the hard-working, skilful Netherlands team.
– The victory extends Dutch manager Louis van Gaal’s unbeaten start to his second spell as Dutch boss to 10 matches.
