Netherlands have moved to the top of Group B with a 5-1 win over 10-man Russia in the Under-21 European Championships on Sunday.
It was Netherlands that made the brighter start with Ola John and Luuk de Jong both coming close with attempts from outside the box, before Russia's Pavel Yakovlev fired wide from distance.
The first real opportunity arrived after 15 minutes when Alan Dzagoev burst into the box before striking from close range, but the Russian forward's effort just moved wide of the post.
Adam Maher had an effort from distance down the other end moments later, but Taras Burlak was out to block at the vital moment, before Georginio Wijnaldum tested the Russian shot-stopper from inside the box.
De Jong had another chance to open the scoring after 25 minutes when he met a cross from Maher, but he could only thump his header against the crossbar.
A free header arrived for Burlak in the latter stages of the first period, but the Russian skipper could only head his effort over the crossbar.
Wijnaldum handed the Netherlands the lead after 39 minutes, however, when he carried possession into the Russia half before striking a powerful effort into the bottom corner.
Russia had a penalty shout in the early stages of the second period when Dzagoev's effort was blocked by Daley Blind, but the referee was not interested.
Russia were then reduced to 10 men after 50 minutes when Nikita Chicherin was dismissed for a foul on Maher, who rattled the crossbar with a powerful volley five minutes later.
Oleg Shatov had a half-chance for Russia just before the hour mark in the match, but his effort just moved wide of the post, before Maksim Belyaev headed wide from a corner.
The Netherlands scored their second goal moments later when De Jong powered a header into the back of the net from close range.
However, Russia cut the deficit to 2-1 less than five minutes later when substitute Denis Cheryshev tapped home from close range after Dzagoev had struck the post.
Netherlands restored their two-goal advantage within four minutes, however, when John burst into the Russia box before chipping into the back of the net.
They then had their fourth with seven minutes remaining as Danny Hoesen struck from close range, before Leroy Fer made it five in stoppage time.
Matt Law
Spain U21s
