The Orange boys started the European Championship in Lille with a defeat. In the opening match, the team of national coach Peter Jonker lost 1-2 to host country France. A stunt by the French, who put the Netherlands in considerable trouble. The Dutch must now show it against Belgium on Monday and Scotland on Wednesday to reach the semifinals.
Because reaching the semifinals is something the U18 team has done time and again in recent years. The past five editions Orange U18 finished on the podium each time, but with four times silver and one time bronze, the top prize has been missing for twenty years. The Orange boys last grabbed the U18 gold in 2005.
But talk of gold on Sunday afternoon was far too early. Because the game with France was extremely difficult. The home team played with guts and daring, encouraged by the fanatical crowd in Lille. A victory over the Netherlands would be historic, because France has never finished in the top four. In thirteen European Championship editions, the French finished fifth at best.
Photo: WorldSportPics
France was in the mood for a stunt
That France was eager for a stunt was already evident in the first minute. Goalkeeper Peter Ausema immediately had to make two saves from an early penalty corner. An early wake-up call for the Dutch, who then got into the game a little better. Captain Lucas Corstens dribbled his way through the ranks nicely and prevented two corners. However, Floris Rap’s pushes were turned away by French goalkeeper Leon Herbaut.
In the end, it was France that opened the scoring. Paul Barbier pushed the second French corner goal, although that chance seemed to be lost at first after a stopping error. The failed variation ended up via Barbier exactly between Ausema and linebacker Tom Hermus: 0-1.
Later, Teun van Aalderen came close to scoring the equalizer from the turn, but his effort was also parried by Leon Herbaut, who increasingly became a tease for the Dutch. France increasingly believed in the game and played with flair. Malo Martinache in particular impressed with his agile solos, in which he kept five or six opponents busy at the same time. The crowd was feasting.
Orange also up 0-2
And it got even better for the French. Halfway through the third quarter Dimitri Crepy-Gueniot scored the 0-2 in beautiful fashion. From the back line he lashed out with his backhand and rammed the ball into the far corner. A shot that in principle could not be done, but on a stunt day like this just flew in: 0-2.
Photo: WorldSportPics
The Dutch had to change gear, because losing in your opening game is not ideal. Especially with Belgium as their next opponent. The Netherlands pressed on, got seven (!) penalty corners, but none went in. Attempts by Pepijn Schras, Rap and Olivier Uffen, among others, were met by Herbaut, who turned out to be the man of the match. Until Mees Wehmeyer suddenly struck. The Oranje-Rood player popped in the 1-2 and brought the tension back into the game, eight minutes before time. The Orange rebounded, smelling of an equalizer, but hardly created any real chances.
One did come on the other side, for Crepy-Gueniot – him again. His shot hit the post. The Netherlands pressed one more time, but they were no more than a threat. The Dutch had a nose for 2-2, but ended up empty-handed. Monday against Belgium must be better, if the semifinal chances are not to go up in smoke.
Netherlands – France 1-2 (0-1)
24. Paul Barbier 0-1 (SC)
36. Dimitri Crepy-Gueniot 0-2
52. Mees Wehmeyer 1-2
by Hockey.nl
