Germany versus the Netherlands: What’s a practice in large-field soccer is a premiere in small-field soccer. The Dutch are taking part in a serious match for the primary time – and have impressed up to now. Within the group stage, they gained in opposition to France and secured a draw in opposition to file world champions Kazakhstan.
Germany superior the day earlier than because of an impressive Leevi Andress within the penalty shootout in opposition to Hungary and reached the quarterfinals regardless of two preliminary defeats. Now it was about advancing to the World Cup semifinals.
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The Dutch introduced themselves as technically robust, assured in mixtures, and expert in dribbling. Simply earlier than the break, they have been rewarded: Biseswar obtained the ball along with his again to the purpose, maneuvered it previous Cekic along with his first contact, and completed via Betz’s legs along with his second – an impressive motion by the offensive participant, who additionally performed within the Kings League Germany.
With the rating at 0-1 from Germany’s perspective, they went into halftime.
Germany discovered their rhythm higher after the restart and ultimately rewarded themselves: Betz completed after a ahead transfer, Cekic transformed the rebound – 1:1, every little thing was open once more.
It developed right into a balanced sport with possibilities on either side. Each goalkeepers got here into focus and saved their groups within the sport. Betz confirmed robust actions a number of occasions and appeared to turn into the person of the night.
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However within the thirty seventh minute, he made a pricey mistake: A misplaced go within the build-up was ruthlessly punished by the Dutch. Germany needed to chase a deficit within the remaining minutes.
And it acquired even worse: Only a minute later, Oranje elevated the result in 1:3. Biseswar arrange Bouzit, who completed from the second row, presenting Germany with an virtually unsolvable process.
Regardless of good possibilities from Wurm and Fries, it remained 1:3 – the tip within the quarterfinals.
📸 Julian Meusel
The Netherlands will now face European champions Poland within the semifinals. On the opposite aspect of the match bracket, hosts Mexico and file world champions Kazakhstan will face one another.
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It wasn’t sufficient for Germany. Regardless of a nominally skinny Dutch squad, Oranje was extra harmful for lengthy stretches and created clearer possibilities. Betz shone with robust saves, however his misplaced go led to the decisive 1:2. “Maybe the standard was missing within the depth of the squad,” was the evaluation from small-field legend Kim Sippel.
In 5 video games, Germany gained just one in common time – too little to advance in a World Cup.
In Might 2026, the following huge match, the Socca Euro Cup, awaits and provides an opportunity for redemption.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.