The Netherlands cruised to a routine 3-0 victory over northern Macedonia when they warmed up to 16 years with their third victory in a row in Euro 2020.
Northern Macedonia threatened early on with Goran Pandev – who made his last ever appearance for his country – with some handsome one-two to the table. But after a shaky Dutch start, Pandev’s farewell party was spoiled in 24 minutes, when Donyell Malen beat Memphis Depay to strike in the opening.
Two goals in seven minutes for @GWijnaldum? #DOWN is ?????? now ✈️ # MKDNED | #ITVFotboll | # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/BHAkDnYaFQ
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 21, 2021
It was not easy to sail from there. Macedonia twice had the ball back in the net during the course of the match, as Ivan Trickovski and Darko Churlinov were denied the offside flag. For the most part, however, Frank de Boers’ team controlled it and put the game beyond all doubt when the flying Depay twice beat Georginio Wijnaldum in quick succession.
The trio Depay, Wijnaldum and Malen looked like a real danger and could give something to really worry about whoever meets them in the round of 16. But one more word about Pandev before we get into the ratings: 120 internationals, 38 goals. A football legend from the Balkans.
⦿ 20 years⦿ 122 appearances⦿ 38 goals
Goran Pandez has played his last game for Northern Macedonia. ??? pic.twitter.com/SQtC8925BJ
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) 21 June 2021
Ristovski pays close attention to Donyell Malen. / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Stal Dimitrievski (GK) – 6/10 – Rayo Vallecano’s goalkeeper made a wonderful reaction stop to deny Depay. Pay attention to the long balls over the top and keep their team in the game during the first half.
Stefan Ristovski (RB) – 7/10 – Saw plenty of the ball and was often seen charging from the depths – especially during the first half.
Darko Velkovski (CB) – 6/10 – Kept things along with some important blocks and challenges. Could have been worse without his influence.
Visar Musliu (CB) – 4/10 – Too rash in his tackle and could not really get close to Depay.
Ezgjan Alioski (LB) – 5/10 – The Leeds man had plenty of work to do against the lively Dumfries but withstood the challenge and scored a couple of key blocks.
Bardhi keeps track of Frenkie de Jong / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Enis Bardhi (CM) – 7/10 – Threatened with some tests through balls and would have had a brilliant second half assistant – but the assistant ref did his job properly. .
Arijan Ademi (CM) – 5/10 – Could not really take care of Wijnaldum, Gravenberch or Frenkie de Jong when the Dutch midfield reigned supreme. Sacrificed for the last ten minutes with Bardhi.
Eljif Elmas (CM) – 6/10 – Went forward to support the top three but dropped out of the game as it ran away from his side in the second half.
⭐️ ?? ?????? ?? ⭐️
After ?? ?????, ??? ??????????? and ?? ?????, Goran Pandev has played his last game for Northern Macedonia ??
An absolute icon? #MKD | #ITVFotboll | # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/wdDpmQtQ3z
– ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 21, 2021
Ivan Trickovski (RW) – 6/10 – Thought he had the opening goal early to only be denied by a marginal offside call. Fantastic clearance off the line to keep the Dutch down to one just before he was replaced.
Goran Pandev (CF) – 7/10 – He made his last appearance for his country and was heavily involved in some promising early attacks. The 38-year-old received an honor guard from his teammates when he was replaced in the second half – also really deserved.
Aleksandar Trajkovski (LW) – 6/10 – Unlucky not to open the scoring when he rattled the post early in the first half. One of Northern Macedonia’s strongest threats until he was replaced with 20 left.
Churlinov gets on the ball / Peter Dejong – Pool / Getty Images
Darko Churlinov (Trickovsky, 56) – 6/10
Ferhan Hassani (Trajkovsky, 68) – 5/10
Tihomir Kostadinov (Pandev, 69) – 5/10
Boban Nikolov (Ademi, 78) – 4/10
Vlatko Stojanovski (Bardhi, 68) – 4/10
De Ligt holds the ball / Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Getty Images
Maarten Stekelenburg (GK) – 6/10 – Quiet evening after an early Macedonian barrage. Ten touches of the ball say it all.
Stefan de Vrij (CB) – 6/10 – Agreed things and organized the defense well without too much testing.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – 6/10 – A little rash with his challenges sometimes but won most of what he questioned and kept a handful of North Macedonian attacks in check.
Daley Blind (CB) – 7/10 – Made a couple of important challenges – of which a thunderous tackle against Pandev that got the counter started for the Dutch opener. Looked like most for the most part.
?? Summarize Georginio Wijnaldum in three words? # EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/sZMcq2XHOD
– UEFA EURO 2020 (@ EURO2020) 21 June 2021
Denzel Dumfries (RWB) – 7/10 – Added a lot of energy and enthusiasm along the right side and had a big hand in the opening goal. Take off to rest at half time.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) – 6/10 – Quiet of the Dutch midfield but grew into the game when his side took control. Did his job with minimal hassle.
Georginio Wijnaldum (AM) – 8/10 – Continued his wonderful points record for his country with two poachers finishing in the second half. Joint top scorer in the tournament and at this show, Golden Boot may not be an unrealistic expectation.
Ryan Gravenberch (CM) – 7/10 – Is there anything he can not do? His first start for his country, but you could not tell it from the calm and drive he showed in the middle of the park.
Patrick van Aanholt (LWB) – 6/10 – Did not get too much license to attack during the first half but was routinely bombed forward after Dumfries was taken off at the break.
Depay celebrates opening goal / ANP Sport / Getty Images
Donyell Malen (CF) – 7/10 – Heavily involved in the first three goals and made his case for a regular place on the team – although Wout Weghost may have something to say about it. Get off for the last 25.
Memphis Depay (CF) – 9/10 – Usually composed finish for the opener and two assists for Wijnaldum to send his team to easy street. A constant threat until he was rested for the final stages.
79. There’s Cody Gakpo’s Debut! He’s in the hot field for Frenkie de Jong. # EURO2020 #MKDNED pic.twitter.com/agjeRIRWe3
– OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) 21 June 2021
Jurrien Timber (De Vrij, 46) – 6/10
Steven Berguis (Dumfries, 46) – 6/10
Quincy Promes (Depay, 66) – 5/10
Wout Weghorst (Malen, 66) – 6/10
Cody Gakpo (De Jong, 79) – 5/10
