The Netherlands opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a thrilling 5-2 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina at the Philips Stadion on Saturday, with Joshua Zirkzee and Tijjani Reijnders each contributing a goal and an assist.
Ronald Koeman’s side, semi-finalists in the previous Nations League edition, started strongly with Zirkzee scoring in the 13th minute. The Manchester United forward, making his first senior start for the Netherlands, headed in off the post after a deflected shot from Xavi Simons.
Bosnia unexpectedly equalized in the 27th minute through Ermedin Demirovic, who expertly finished Denis Huseinbasic’s pass. The Netherlands regained the lead just before halftime when Reijnders converted Zirkzee’s precise pass with a left-footed strike.
Cody Gakpo extended the Dutch lead in the second half, sliding in Reijnders’ cross. Bosnia’s veteran striker Edin Dzeko briefly rekindled hopes for the visitors with a well-taken goal, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
However, late goals from Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons secured the win for the Netherlands. Weghorst pounced on a rebound in the 88th minute, while Simons capped off the scoring in stoppage time with a powerful finish.
The match showcased the Netherlands’ attacking prowess but also revealed defensive vulnerabilities. Virgil van Dijk came close to scoring with a header, while Reijnders hit the crossbar in the first half.
This victory puts the Netherlands in a strong position in their Nations League group. They face Germany next on Tuesday at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. Bosnia & Herzegovina, now on a seven-game losing streak across all competitions, will look to rebound against Hungary in Budapest on the same day.
The high-scoring affair provided an exciting start to the Nations League campaign, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament and the Netherlands’ ambitions to improve on their previous semi-final appearance.
