EURO 2020: Denzel Dumfries late strike helps Netherlands clinch five goals thriller against Ukraine

Denzel Dumfries after scoring the winning goal for Netherlands in their EURO 2020 opening encounter against Ukraine at Amsterdam Arena on Sunday night. Image: Twitter

Xtra Time Web Desk: A late strike from Denzel Dumfries helped Netherlands clinch a five goal thriller in their EURO 2020 opener against Ukraine at the Amsterdam Arena on Sunday night. Two goals down, Ukraine made a superb comeback with Andriy Yarmolenko scoring a world class goal in the 75th minute and Roman Yaremchuk netting the equalizer four minutes later. Much to the joy of the home fans, Denzel Dumfries headed home the winner with five minutes remaining for the final whistle.

It was the Dutch who broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through strike from Georginio Wijnaldum. Wout Weghorst extended the lead six minutes later. Ukrainians objected for an off side but VAR showed the goal was clean.

Ukraine, who had impressed early on before fading badly, sprang back into the game through an Andriy Yarmolenko stunner 15 minutes from time, before shocking their hosts as Roman Yaremchuk headed home Ruslan Malinovskyi’s free-kick four minutes later.

As it seemed the match was heading for a 2-2 scoreline, Denzel Dumfries netted the winning goal from a Nathan Ake cross. He more than made up for the missed opportunities in the first half as Frank De Boer’s side got off to a winning start in EURO 2020.