Portugal vs. Netherlands: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: August 14, 2013

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Portugal hosted the Netherlands in an entertaining friendly at Estadio Algarve, and the two international powers battled to a 1-1 draw. 

After a well-played match, Portugal nearly suffered a 1-0 loss. However, Cristiano Ronaldo saved the day with a late leveler. 

As I'm sure you are aware, Ronaldo wasn't the only star striker in this match:



Understandably, Ronaldo and Robin van Persie commanded the bulk of the attention in this match, but in the first half, the Netherlands' Kevin Strootman and Jeremain Lens stole the show. 

It was a well played first half, but Portugal dominated the majority of the action. However, they had nothing to show for it. There was just one goal in the opening half, and that belonged to the Netherlands. 

The Netherlands jumped on top on the strength of a marvelous strike from Strootman in the 17th minute, as he took advantage of a lapse in the Portugal defense.  

Lens set up the score with a low cross to his former PSV teammate, who happened to be looming unmarked near the edge of the box. Strootman had more than enough room to blast home the goal. 

Look at all the space he had to operate with in the image captured in the tweet below (just don't ask me how the hashtag for this game was settled upon):



Meanwhile, Portugal was undone by sloppy play in the final third. Poor passing doomed any good looks their possession should have created. The Portuguese were clearly troubled by key midfield injuries and were lacking precision. 

The second half played out much like the first. There were no lapses in the Portugal defense, but the home side did continue to control the action. 

In the 87th minute, Portugal finally had something to show for their fine play. After continuing to press the action, Portugal earned a late corner. 

Pepe deflected th...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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