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Wales national football team
International Friendlies
Nov 13, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Netherlands national football team

2-3

Ledley (45'), Huws (70')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Dost (32'), Robben (55', 81')

Live Commentary: Wales 2-3 Netherlands - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live text commentary as the Netherlands earn a 3-2 win Wales in Cardiff.
2

Wales came from behind twice before eventually succumbing to a 3-2 defeat against the Netherlands in Cardiff.

Bas Dost headed the Dutch into the lead, but Joe Ledley followed up from Joe Allen's missed penalty to level the scores.

After the break, Arjen Robben curled the visitors back in front, before Emyr Huws headed in for Wales to equalise for a second time.

However, Robben won the game for the Netherlands in the closing stages with a composed finish from close range after latching onto Bas Dost's through ball.

Find out how the action unfolded below.


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Good evening everyone! There are seven months to go until next summer's European Championship in France, and a number of teams are beginning to start their preparations for the big event. Wales are just one of those nations who have booked their spot in France, and they will play their first friendly since qualifying against a struggling Netherlands outfit in Cardiff tonight.

It has been a fantastic year for Wales, who will be playing in the Euros for the first time in their history next summer. They only lost once in qualifying to finish second in Group B behind Belgium, but now Chris Coleman will be hoping that his side are fully prepared for what lies ahead of them in France.

In stark contrast, the Netherlands have had a qualifying campaign to forget and they will miss out on their first European Championship in 20 years. The Dutch were beaten five times in their qualifying group, and could only manage a fourth place finish to miss out on a playoff berth.

There's been plenty of talk before the match about which players will be playing tonight, and indeed who should be left at home. Well, the team news has now arrived, so let's have a look at how they will be lining up in Cardiff.

WALES XI: Hennessey; Gunter, Chester, A. Williams, Davies, Taylor; Ledley, Allen, King; J. Williams; Lawrence

NETHERLANDS XI: Cillessen; Janmaat, Bruma, Van Dijk, Blind, Kongolo; Clasie, Promes, Sneijder; Robben, Dost

So, that's how our teams are looking this evening. Wales are without talisman Gareth Bale, while Aaron Ramsey is also ruled out. However, there is a first start for Manchester United youngster Tom Lawrence, and there could be a debut for Tom Bradshaw, who is named among the substitutes.

Meanwhile, the visitors are led by Wolfsburg striker Bas Dost, with Robin van Persie left out of the squad. Memphis Depay must settle for a place on the bench, but they are able to call on big name duo Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben.

Who would have predicted a year ago that Wales would be gearing up for their first tournament in 58 years, while the Dutch would fall flat on their faces? Well, that is exactly what has happened for Chris Coleman and his side, after a brilliant qualifying campaign.

Wales player Gareth Bale and team mates celebrate after the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B Qualifier between Wales and Andorra at Cardiff City stadium on October 13, 2015© Getty Images


Expectations were not too high after they could only finish fifth in their group as they attempted to reach the last World Cup. They suffered six defeats in that qualifying campaign, with only Macedonia finishing below them in the group.

It actually looked bleak for them in their first qualifier last September, when minnows Andorra took an early lead. However, Real Madrid star Gareth Bale quickly drew them level and struck a late winner to see them claim the points

They could only manage a goalless draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their next match, before beating Cyprus and holding Belgium to finish 2014 in good form. On their return to international action in March a superb 3-0 win in Israel saw them top the group and really gave people hope that they could reach the Euros.

An even better victory arrived in June, as they saw off Belgium and followed that up by beating Cyprus to leave them on the verge of qualifying. Although they were made to wait after being held by Israel, they finally secured their place in France after a defeat in Bosnia last month, due to other results going their way.

The undoubted star of their qualifying campaign has been the World's most expensive player Gareth Bale. The 26-year-old scored seven of his country's goals and his presence will be vital next summer. It is not just their superstar who has impressed, as Ashley Williams and the rest of his defence have played a huge part, keeping seven clean sheets in their 10 group games.

For all of the joy and elation of the Welsh, it has been a completely different story for the Netherlands. They were fully expected to reach the Euros with very little fuss after an impressive World Cup that saw them reach the semi-finals, but a 2-1 defeat in their first qualifier against the Czech Republic got them off to a bad start.

Robin van Persie of the Netherlands (19) reacts during the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group A match between the Netherlands and the Czech Republic at Amsterdam Arena on October 13, 2015© Getty Images


Although they bounced back to beat Kazakhstan in their next match, they soon suffered another damaging defeat to Iceland. They saw out 2014 on a high by thrashing Latvia 6-0, but another frustrating result followed in a draw with Turkey on their return in March.

Their hopes of qualifying seemed to be back on track in June, as a 2-0 win over Latvia left them in third place, but by the end of the month Guus Hiddink resigned from his position as manager. leaving assistant Danny Blind to take his place.

However, it went horribly wrong in September, as Gylfi Sigurdsson's penalty saw them beaten at home by Iceland, and just three days later they slipped to a 3-0 defeat in Turkey, that saw their opponents leapfrog them in the group with just two games left to play.

They kept their slim hopes alive by recovering to beat Kazakhstan in their next outing, but went into their final match against the Czech Republic needing to win and hoping for a Turkish defeat in Iceland. Neither of those outcomes would happen, as they fell three goals behind before eventually losing 3-2, while Turkey sealed their passage to the Euros by beating Iceland.

With kick off fast approaching, let's take a quick look at the head-to-head record between the two teams. It certainly doesn't make good reading for fans of Wales, as their country has been beaten in all seven of their clashes against the Dutch, and they slipped to a 2-0 defeat in their most recent meeting in Amsterdam last June.

KICKOFF! We are underway at the Cardiff City Stadium!

The Dutch have made a dominant start to the match and they are seeing plenty of the ball in these early stages. Wales just can't get a touch at the moment, but it's the home supporters are making all of the noise at the moment.

We're still waiting to see our first attempt on goal, as there has been very little action in the final third at either end of the pitch. The hosts are starting to get into the match a bit more now though, but the Netherlands are still in control of possession.

The Netherlands are now beginning to advance into some dangerous areas, and Robben is causing a few problems down the left. He enjoys his best moment with a burst to the byline that wins a corner, but the Welsh defence manage to scramble the set piece clear.

Wales go down the other end of the pitch and put together the best team move of the game so far. After working the ball to the edge of the box, Lawrence is slipped down the right before whipping in a cross that is blocked behind. Once again, the corner comes to nothing, but it was a big sign of encouragement for the supporters in Cardiff.

It's safe to say that the game is just lacking a bit of spark at the moment, and Wales are missing a couple of their best players in the attack. It is a similar story for the visitors, who are relying on getting the ball wide to Robben to start their attacks.

SHOT! We finally have our first attempt on goal and it comes from the visitors. They work the ball out wide to Kongolo who has plenty of time and space to measure a cross. His delivery into the middle is then met by Dost, but the striker can't get enough power on his header and the keeper makes a simple save.

SHOT! Wales quickly work their opening chance as Lawrence shifts the ball away from two defenders and into space on the edge of the box. The striker then curls in a low strike, but he can't quite get enough on the ball to direct it into the corner and Cillessen gets down to claim.

The hosts have certainly grown into the contest and they are putting together some dangerous moves in the Dutch half. They have given the ball away in promising areas on a couple of occasions, though, but their opponents have not punished them so far.

It hasn't been a vintage display from the Dutch, but there are signs of the danger that they possess. This time Robben and Dost combine to set Promes free inside the box, but the winger is offside as he prepares to take on the shot.

SHOT! Robben is making things happen now for the Netherlands and he picks the ball up in space around 25 yards out from goal. The Bayern man then gets it onto his favoured left foot and bends in a strike that goes a few yards wide of the target.

SHOT! Lawrence is looking a real threat for Wales whenever he is picked out in the final third and he shows good pace to latch onto King's pass into the box. He then takes on the shot first time and tries to fire it into the corner, but he can only drag his effort wide of the far post.

GOAL! Wales 0-1 Netherlands (Bas Dost)

The Dutch draw first blood in Wales as Dost grabs his first international goal. The striker is picked out at the back post by Janmaat, before powering in a header that Hennessey is unable to stop. The keeper may feel that he should have done better, but it was a well-worked effort from the Netherlands.

Hennessey is called into action again as Robben races onto a long ball over the defence. It looks as if the winger will get to the ball and slot the Dutch into a two-goal lead, but the keeper rushes quickly off his line to hammer it out to safety.

The Netherlands have really stamped their authority on the match since taking the lead and they look keen on adding a second goal before the break. They have looked good on the ball all evening and have shown their class, which makes their recent performances all the more baffling.

You just wonder if Wales have the players at their disposal to turn the game around in the second half. The absence of Bale keeps getting mentioned, and of course whenever you take a player of his quality out of any team they are bound to struggle.

SAVE! It's almost two for the Dutch, as the ball is worked to Promes on the edge of the box. He then finds some room and drills in a powerful drive that forces Hennessey to make a block, before claiming at the second attempt.

PENALTY TO WALES! Out of nothing the hosts are given the chance to level the scores as they win a penalty. Kongolo is the man who gives it away for handling a strike from Davies inside the box, although the ball was fired at him from very close range.

GOAL! Wales 1-1 Netherlands (Joe Ledley)

Allen steps up to take the penalty, but he sees his effort brilliantly saved by Cillessen. However, Ledley is quickly in to meet the rebound and guide the ball into the far corner despite the best efforts of the Dutch on the line.

HALF-TIME: Wales 1-1 Netherlands

We've reached the halfway stage of tonight's match in Cardiff and it's all square between Wales and the Netherlands. Bas Dost's header looked like giving the Dutch a lead to take into the break, but Joe Ledley's effort has helped to drag the Welsh right back into the tie.

Wales player Joe Ledley scores the first Wales goal during the friendly International match between Wales and Netherlands at Cardiff City Stadium on November 13, 2015 in Cardiff, Wales.© Getty Images


It is no surprise to see that the Netherlands have dominated possession and they have seen a huge 62% of the ball. However, Wales have managed more attempts on goal, with five shots compared to four efforts from the visitors.

Let's take a look at some of the other scores from around the globe. It's goalless between England and Spain, while Italy are level at 1-1 with Belgium. France and Germany are also in action, but there has been no goals there, while Ireland are currently scoreless against Bosnia in their Euro 2016 playoff.

RESTART! Wales take the kick off for the second half and get the action back underway. There is also a change for each team, as Collins is on for Wales captain Williams, while the Dutch bring on Veltman for Van Dijk.

CHANCE! Wales just can't handle the pace of Robben, as the winger latches onto Sneijder's ball over the top. He then then fires in a powerful strike that looks set to nestle in the back of the net, but Hennessey is quickly off his line to make a brilliant save and keep the scores level.

The Dutch have started the half well on top and it's very similar to the way they began the match this evening. They look a real danger every time they get into their opponents' half and they have already shown they have the pace to get in behind.

GOAL! Wales 1-2 Netherlands (Arjen Robben)

What a fantastic goal this is from Robben. The winger breaks clear down the right after being played through by Promes, before driving into the box. He then evades a number of challenges before getting the ball onto his left foot and bending a superb strike past Hennessey and into the far corner.

SUB! It's a second change for the hosts, as goalscorer Ledley makes way for Huws.

CHANCE! The Dutch work another great opening with Promes bursting into the box. He has support arriving in the shape of Robben at the back post, but decides to take the shot on and drags his effort wide of the far post.

SUB! Another change for Wales as George Williams comes on to replace Jonathan Williams.

CHANCE! Huge chance for the Welsh to level things up once again. The ball is worked out wide to Lawrence who manages to deliver a low cross into the middle. With the Dutch failing to clear, Williams comes flying in to try and convert, but he can only place his effort agonizingly wide of the far post.

SUB! Two more changes for Wales now as Henley and Dummett come on for Gunter and Taylor.

GOAL! Wales 2-2 Netherlands (Emyr Huws)

What a wonderful moment this is for Huws, who scores his first goal for Wales to bring the Dragons back on level terms. The striker does well to arrive inside the box and meet Allen's cross from a short corner, before directing a thumping header beyond the reach of the helpless Cillessen.

The changes made by Coleman in this second half have really helped the Welsh and they now look the team more likely to score next. Meanwhile, the Dutch are looking a bit tired at the moment, and their only plan seems to be trying to find the runs of Robben.

SHOT! Another of the substitutes Williams tries to get in on the action when he receives the ball just outside the box. He then works some room and drills in a low strike, but Cillessen is down to make a simple save, with the effort probably heading wide.

CHANCE! How on earth did Robben not score here? The Welsh defence fail to deal with a ball into their box from the right and it lands perfectly for the Bayern winger. However, he somehow drags his shot wide of the goal, as the home side escape.

GOAL! Wales 2-3 Netherlands (Arjen Robben)

He may have missed a huge chance to score just moments ago, but Robben does find the net to give the Netherlands the lead for the third time this evening. The winger shows his pace yet again to charge through the middle and onto Dost's through ball, before keeping his composure to slot a low effort past Fon Williams.

Wales have already come from behind twice, but they have just six minutes and stoppage time to do it all over again. They have shown great spirit without many of their best players, and some of their squad members are sure to have impressed their manager this evening.

SUB! It's a second change for the Dutch, with Bazoer coming on for Clasie.

SUB! The visitors make another late change, as Promes heads off to be replaced by Wijnaldum.

There are going to be three minutes of stoppage time.

FULL-TIME: Wales 2-3 Netherlands

The final whistle blows in Cardiff and the Netherlands have held on to claim a 3-2 win over Wales. Arjen Robben's late winner proved the difference and will certainly give Chris Coleman a lot to think about as his team continues to prepare for next summer's Euros.

Right, that's just about all we've got time for here this evening. Make sure you stick with us throughout the weekend, as there's lots more international football to come. I hope you have enjoyed our coverage. Goodbye!

Netherlands' midfielder Arjen Robben (L) celebrates with Netherlands' midfielder Daley Blind (R) after scoring Netherlands' second goal during the international friendly football match between Wales and Netherlands at Cardiff City Stadium in south Wales o© Getty Images


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Dutch players react after Czech Republic scored during the Euro 2016 qualifying football match between the Netherlands and Czech Republic in Amsterdam on October 13, 2015
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