It was a sad sight to watch the World Cup this past summer and not see the glorious orange jerseys of the Dutch national team in Russia.
However, under Ronald Koeman of all people, The Netherlands seem to have undergone a footballing resurgence of late and have toppled the likes of Portugal, Germany and France inside this calendar year.
They’ve also managed very credible draws in Italy and Belgium, and now look to be very real contenders to win the Euro 2020 tournament.
For a long time last night they looked as if they were about to take a backward step though, as they conceded two to Germany within the first 20 minutes thanks to a beauty from Timo Werner and a trickling effort from Manchester City’s Leroy Sané.
This Dutch outfit are made of sterner stuff these days however, and a beautiful strike from outside box by Sevilla’s Quincy Promes (which you can watch for yourself below, thanks to Virgin Media Sport) give them some hope with five minutes to go.
What a hit from Quincy Promes!
🍊🍊🍊#VMSport #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/SwiNMFzJtm— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 19, 2018
They weren’t finished their though – enter Virgil van Dijk. Not satisfied with being the saviour of the Liverpool defence, van Dijk strode forward in search of an equaliser as the clock ticked towards the 90th minute in Gelsenkirchen.
He certainly made the right choice and with just two seconds remaining the Liverpool talisman latched onto a flick-on to bury a powerful volley past a helpless Manuel Neuer in the Germany goal, sparking some wild celebrations and sending his side into the Nations League finals in the summer in the process.
Virgil van Dijk!
90th minute volley!
Sends Netherlands into the #NationsLeague finals!The Dutch are well and truly back! 🧡#VMSport pic.twitter.com/wo5xPyv2SL
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 19, 2018
One thing is for sure, no one will want this Netherlands team in their qualifying group next year!
Find the latest Nations League odds over at paddypower.com