Belgium 1 Netherlands 1: Groeneveld cancels out Mertens strike

Dries Mertens' 16th international goal looked to have set Belgium on their way to another win, but Arnaut Groeneveld had other ideas.

Published : Oct 17, 2018 02:40 IST

Netherlands' Arnaut Groeneveld celebrates his goal against Belgium
Netherlands' Arnaut Groeneveld celebrates his goal against Belgium
lightbox-info

Netherlands' Arnaut Groeneveld celebrates his goal against Belgium

Arnaut Groeneveld's first international goal helped Netherlands to a 1-1 friendly draw and brought Belgium's run of four consecutive wins to an end.

Roberto Martinez's side had bounced back in style from its 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to France – defeating England, Scotland, Iceland and Switzerland – but had to settle for a draw against its neighbours at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

The host had started brightly, taking a fifth-minute lead through Dries Mertens' 16th international goal, but was pegged back in the 27th minute when Groeneveld – making his first start for Ronald Koeman's side – slotted in from close range.

Substitute Michy Batshuayi looked threatening during the second half, but was unable to find a goal that would have extended the Red Devils' winning streak.

Read: Miranda late winner gives Brazil 1-0 win over Argentina

Belgium started in ominous fashion and were soon ahead. Donny van de Beek's headed clearance went only as far as Mertens, who cracked a stunning half-volley into Jasper Cillessen's top-left corner from 15 yards.

A stretching Romelu Lukaku headed over from Mertens' cross soon after, while Simon Mignolet thwarted a clean-through Memphis Depay midway through the first half.

Koeman's side then took full advantage of Timothy Castagne's wayward pass, Depay sliding across the face of goal for Groeneveld to slot under Mignolet from eight yards.

Quincy Promes came agonisingly close to handing Koeman's side the lead soon after, but his fizzing left-foot strike from 25 yards crashed back off the post, while Hazard clipped just past the upright as the sides went into the interval level.

Belgium's Batshuayi – who replaced Lukaku at the break – and Youri Tielemans both flashed efforts wide of Cillessen's right-hand post within minutes of the restart.

The closing stages saw Mignolet paw away Nathan Ake's header, before the lively Batshuayi almost won it at the other end late on, only for Cillessen to push away his instinctive effort, ensuring a share of the spoils.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment