Reijnders’ Late Strike Earns Netherlands 2-2 Draw Against Greece
Tijjani Reijnders struck in the 89th minute as the Netherlands rescued a 2-2 draw against Greece at Stadio Toumbas, overturning a two-goal interval deficit to stay in the Group A2 race.
Match data
| Item | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | Greece 2-2 Netherlands | Group A2 |
| Half-time score | Greece 2-0 Netherlands | Ioannidis and Masouras put the hosts ahead |
| Netherlands possession | 71% | Visitors produced 19 attempts |
| Key late goal | 89th minute | Reijnders levelled the match |
The Dutch were punished twice before the break despite controlling the ball. Fotis Ioannidis opened the scoring after 23 minutes, while Giorgos Masouras extended Greece’s lead in first-half added time after Ruben van Bommel’s misplaced backpass was intercepted.
Xavi Hernandez reacted immediately, making three changes at the interval. Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch and Noa Lang entered, with Quinten Timber, Guus Til and Van Bommel making way. The alterations gave the Netherlands greater drive through midfield and more threat from wide positions.
Virgil van Dijk began the recovery on 59 minutes, powering in Joey Veerman’s corner. Denzel Dumfries then had what appeared to be an equaliser ruled out after a lengthy VAR check found him offside.
The pressure did not stop. Joshua Zirkzee forced Tzolakis into an outstanding save with a header in the 88th minute, then helped create the leveller moments later. His flick-on reached Reijnders, who finished from central range to complete the turnaround from 2-0 down.
Substitutions change the contest
Reijnders was the decisive figure after his half-time arrival, bringing the forward momentum absent in the opening 45 minutes before delivering the late finish. Gravenberch added composure and strength in possession as the Netherlands took control of the second half.
Lang also made a major impact on the left, supplying dangerous deliveries despite receiving a booking following an altercation. His cross was involved in the move that produced Reijnders’ equaliser. Zirkzee, introduced in the 70th minute for Mexx Meerdink, gave the visitors a stronger focal point and supplied the crucial touch for the final goal.
Veerman remained the Netherlands’ main distributor, setting up Van Dijk and helping the side complete 619 passes. Crysencio Summerville offered direct running and repeatedly tested Greece’s defensive shape, although the final pass was not always there.
Defensive concerns remain
The result salvages an important point, but the first-half display will concern Xavi and his staff. Jurrien Timber was exposed during Greek transitions while operating with a midfield role, and Micky van de Ven had limited attacking influence from the left of the defence.
Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen conceded from two of Greece’s four shots on target and at times lacked quick passing options ahead of him. Van Dijk, however, steadied the side after the restart, combining his goal with a calmer presence as the Dutch pushed Greece back.
Gjivai Zechiel replaced Jurrien Timber in the 78th minute and brought energy during the late scramble. The Netherlands now have a recovered point, but their next task is to ensure the urgency and balance shown after the break are present from the opening whistle.
