Netherlands wins five-goal thriller

The hosts, who were taking part in a major tournament for the first time since the 2014 World Cup and had had a weak preparation for the European Championship, got off to a furious start in the game, which was led flawlessly by German referee Felix Brych. As early as the second minute, Memphis Depay attempted a solo shot, but was denied by Ukrainian goalkeeper Georgi Buschchan. The 2-year-old from Dynamo Kiev became the best man in Eastern Europe and a short time later he defused Dumfries' next big chance for the Dutch with a foot save. Bonds coach Frank de Boer's eleven, who will have to do without the injured star defender Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool FC for the entire tournament, played refreshingly forward. Wijnaldum directed the midfield carefully and also caused danger in front of the goal. At first the Oranje captain aimed a little too high, then later he failed with a deflected shot from Buschtschan, who reacted strongly. The Ukrainian goalkeeper had already saved against Weghorst. The Ukrainians, who surprisingly left defending champions Portugal behind them in qualifying for the tournament, held on with great running and fighting spirit. The team of coach Andrei Shevchenko, who had scored the only two European Championship goals for his country in 2012, was hardly able to create any chances. Apart from a harmless shot by ex-Dortmunder Andrej Jarmolenko (30th), Oranje keeper Maarten Stekelenburg - at 38 years and 264 days the oldest professional to have ever played for the Netherlands at a European Championship or World Cup - remained unemployed in the first half . The people in front of him had the game firmly under control, but initially didn't reward themselves. Five minutes before the break, Dumfries missed their best chance to take the lead when he headed the ball past the goal from five meters, completely unmarked. Flood of goals after the restart Wijnaldum showed how it works shortly after the restart. With a sharp cross from the right side, Buschtschan cleared the ball in front of the onrushing Depay in desperate need, and the midfield director, who will now play for Paris Saint-Germain, coldly sank the rebound (52nd). Now the last shackles were released. Only six minutes after the long-overdue lead, Weghorst followed up (58'). After further uncertainty in the Ukrainian defense, the 28-year-old scored with a low shot. In anticipation of a certain victory, the Dutch's momentum flagged - and suddenly the game tipped over. Jarmolenko scored with a wonderful shot (75'), which gave the Ukrainians wings. Four minutes later, Yaremtschuk punished the home team's passivity with a header (79'), but they hit back again in the person of Denzel Dumfries (85') and celebrated a happy ending with his powerful header. Sunday's games England – Croatia 1-0 1:0 Sterling (57.) Austria – North Macedonia 3:1 1:0 Lainer (18th), 1:1 Pandev (28th), 2:1 Gregoritsch (78th), 3:1 Arnautovic (89th) Netherlands – Ukraine 3:2 1:0 Wijnaldum (52nd), 2:0 Weghorst (59th), 2:1 Yarmolenko (75th), 2:2 Yaremchuk (79th), 3:2 Dumfries (85th)

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Netherlands wins five-goal thriller

The Netherlands started the European Football Championship with a home win. The “Oranjes” won against Ukraine 3-2 in Amsterdam, meaning Austria leads Group C after the first round thanks to a goal difference that was one goal better.

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