As a nation drenched in footballing history, the Netherlands were left distraught and embarrassed having failed to qualify for the last two major tournaments in 2016 and 2018. Alas, it’s fair to say their current crop have endeared themselves to the Dutch faithful with three vintage group displays in Amsterdam.

Whilst their success isn’t led by such elegance displayed by Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit in 1988, the gusto and the hunger appear as prevalent as ever from both fans and players heading into the knockouts. After threatening and fighting for an early goal which was a post’s width away from arriving, North Macedonia were made to pay when the menacing duo of Donyell Malen and Memphis Depay scythed through with the latter slotting home to give Holland the lead.

From then, the hosts had a lot of fun, passing with precision and poise, penetrating their way to two more goals courtesy of Georginio Wijnaldum. It has been plain sailing for Frenk de Boer’s men so far, who are playing with an increased sense of freedom and cohesion that has flowed from the pitch into the stands to create an incredibly vibrant, invigorating feeling around the Dutch that has been absent for far too long. 

Man of the Match: Georginio Wijnaldum