Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Netherlands vs Northern Ireland – tactical analysis

The Netherlands welcomed Northern Ireland to the Johan Cruijff ArenA in a battle between the second and third-placed teams within Group C during Euro 2020 qualifiers. Ronald Koeman managed to guide his team to a 3-1 victory over Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side. Although, it was not a straight forward win for the Oranje Dutch.

The score resulted in a switch of positions within the group, with three teams tied on points. Netherlands and Germany are tied for first with exactly the same goal difference statistics, while Northern Ireland dropped to third due to their inferior goal difference record. An additional point of context to note is that Germany and Netherlands have played one game less than Northern Ireland, potentially reinforcing their position as favourites to finish within the top two automatic qualification spots.

The Netherlands were large favourites going into the match and predictably dominated possession, although, this was not a game littered with ‘big chances’. Against the run of play, Northern Ireland were able to take the lead in the 75^th minute and were hopeful of holding onto the lead to win the game. However, as the Netherlands upped the tempo and the Irish resistance tired, the hosts were able to equalise, before going on to win the game and earn a third goal in stoppage time.

This tactical analysis will investigate the match further and highlight how the Netherlands were able to come away with the points to secure top spot. The analysis will include match statistics, tactics, offensive, defensive and transitional components of play from each team as well as set pieces and other key match events.

Line-Ups

Average formations

Within their starting eleven, the Netherlands and Northern Ireland utilised varied formations in terms of general set up and the average positions in which the game dynamics led them. The Netherlands started with a 4-2-3-1 set up, a fairly balanced approach. Northern Ireland started the match in a 4-1-4-1, typically a more cautious, defensive set up. As the game progressed, formation changes occurred.

The Netherlands moved away from the 4-2-3-1 in favour of a 3-5-2, mainly in an attempt to increase their offensive flank play and which was typically the only area of the pitch which Northern Ireland offered space to play. In making this change, the Dutch were also able to have two strikers occupy opposing centre-backs and the penalty area.