“Both managers ring the changes at half-time with a combined eleven substitutions, completely altering the shape and rhythm of a goalless first half.”
“Algeria introduce Nadhir Benbouali as they look to add more attacking intent in the final third with just under half an hour remaining.”
“Netherlands turn to Wout Weghorst in a bid to find a breakthrough, a clear signal that the Dutch are growing frustrated with their inability to convert dominance into goals.”
“Anis Hadj Moussa breaks the deadlock with a clinical finish to give Algeria a stunning 1-0 lead, punishing Netherlands for wasting all three of their big chances.”
Pivotal“Netherlands introduce Brian Brobbey in a last-gasp attempt to salvage an equaliser, but there is too little time remaining for a Dutch side that had already had their best opportunities.”
Netherlands
Algeria
Outstanding performance
Algeria•GoalkeeperAlgeria produced a classic smash-and-grab in Amsterdam, frustrating a Netherlands side that dominated almost every statistical category before being undone by a single moment of quality four minutes from time. The Dutch controlled possession at 53%, generated 17 shots to Algeria's eight, and somehow squandered all three of their big chances — a profligacy that would come back to haunt them. Algeria, by contrast, were disciplined and compact, their six saves from goalkeeper suggesting a side well-organised in defence and willing to absorb pressure. The decisive contribution came from substitute Anis Hadj Moussa, who made the most of his second-half cameo and punished a Netherlands side that had thrown on Wout Weghorst and Brian Brobbey in a desperate search for a goal. For the Oranje, a heavy use of substitutions — eleven changes at half-time alone — disrupted any rhythm they might have built, and the result is a sobering reminder that controlling the ball counts for little without the cutting edge to convert chances.
How entertaining was this match?
The Netherlands take on Algeria at the iconic De Kuip in Rotterdam in their final World Cup warm-up before heading to the United States. With Algeria weakened by injury concerns in goal and elsewhere, this is the perfect test for Ronald Koeman's side to sharpen their rhythm ahead of the tournament.
