Netherlands for the first time since 2002 have defeated the Germany national team at the ongoing Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Dutch wonder kid Donyell Malen who enjoyed a dream debut for the Netherlands, coasted Netherlands to victory after scoring to give the Dutch side their first win in Germany for almost 17 years.
The 20-year-old PSV Eindhoven forward struck 11 minutes from time in Hamburg before Georginio Wijnaldum sealed a 4-2 victory which puts Ronald Koeman’s side right back in contention in Group C qualifying for next year’s European Championship.
Serge Gnabry’s early goal gave Germany a half-time lead but Frenkie de Jong’s strike and a Jonathan Tah own goal turned the game on its head just before the midway point. A controversial penalty scored by Toni Kroos levelled things up before Malen quickly restored Holland’s lead and Wijnaldum made sure of victory in injury time. The win moves Koeman’s team to within three points of second-placed Germany with a game in hand.
It will be recalled that Holland last enjoyed a victory over Germany in November 2002 beating their neighbours in their own back yard. Where they enjoyed a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Patrick Kluivert, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Belgium maintained their perfect record in Group I with a 4-0 win at San Marino. Michy Batshuayi scored twice, the first from the penalty spot, with Dries Mertens and Nacer Chadli on target in between.
Croatia kept pace at the top of Group E thanks to a 4-0 victory in Slovakia thanks to goals from Nikola Vlasic, Ivan Perisic, Bruno Petkovic and Dejan Lovren.
The Group G leaders, Poland, suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat in Slovenia, with Andraz Struna and Andraz Sporar on the scoresheet for the hosts.
Austria moved to within three points of Poland with a 6-0 home thrashing of Latvia. Marko Arnautovic scored twice, once from the penalty spot, while Marcel Sabitzer, a Pavels Steinbors own goal, Konrad Laimer and Michael Gregoritsch ensured an easy win.
