Netherlands U21 1-1 Georgia U21: Jong Oranje have been very disappointed at the European Championship for U23. Jong Oranje could not secure a victory in the last group match with Georgia. As a result, the team immediately goes home after three group matches without a win.
Young Orange ready at European Championship after many misses
Jong Oranje dominated the opening phase and hit the post twice in the first ten minutes. Kenneth Taylor headed at the post twice. Jong Oranje seemed to send the host country from pillar to post in the opening phase. However, Ryan Gravenberch did not shoot with live, while defender Iva Gelashvili was able to block an attempt by Brian Brobbey. Moments later, Gravenberch was able to swing again, but again his attempt was not vicious enough.
Van de Looi received bad news, because it was attack leader Brobbey who sat down on the grass. The striker had to be replaced. As a result, Joshua Zirkzee came on the field.
While Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Crysencio Summerville and again Taylor failed to give Jong Oranje the lead, it was suddenly hit on the other side. Georgia struck after a solo by Zuriko Davitashvili and brought Van de Looi’s team into trouble. Jong Oranje seemed to go into the break with an unpleasant feeling, especially because a goal by Ekkelenkamp was rejected due to offside. In the end, Taylor made the liberating equalizer with his fifth attempt to separate the market. The Ajax player tapped in just before half-time and brought his team back into the game.
Forces flow away in second half
In the second half, Jong Oranje were less convincing in imposing their will on the host country. Van de Looi brought attackers Thijs Dallinga and Elayis Tavsan to break things open. Tavsan immediately tested the Georgian goalie Mamardashvili, but without success. As a result, Jong Oranje seemed to be heading for an elimination.
With an ultimate effort, the team had to prevent an early elimination. Van de Looi threw his last trumps on the table just before time with Million Manhoef and Ian Maatsen. However, there was no liberating goal. As a result, the tournament is over and Jong Oranje go home very disappointed.
