Friendlies
7:45 PMMarch 27, 2026
Friendly International
Johan Cruijff Arena
Referee: Lawrence Visser, Belgium
Netherlands
Norway
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0.00
Expected goals (xG)
0.00
Passing
385 (86%)
Accurate passes
420 (84%)
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1
G
Bart Verbruggen
15
D
Micky van de Ven
D
Virgil van Dijk (C)
35′
3
D
Jan Paul van Hecke
D
Denzel Dumfries
51′
21
M
Kees Smit
8
M
Ryan Gravenberch
11
M
Cody Gakpo
M
Tijjani Reijnders
51′
M
Teun Koopmeiners
35′
18
F
Donyell Malen
1
G
Ørjan Nyland
D
David Möller Wolfe
24′
17
D
Torbjørn Heggem
D
Kristoffer Ajer
90+3′ Unsportsmanlike conduct
14
D
Julian Ryerson
M
Andreas Schjelderup
24′
6
M
Patrick Berg
8
M
Sander Berge (C)
22
M
Oscar Bobb
11
F
Jørgen Strand Larsen
7
F
Alexander Sørloth
No standings data available for this league
The Netherlands mounted a second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 friendly victory against Norway at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring the decisive goal.
Both nations used this friendly on March 27, 2026, to fine-tune their squads and tactics. The Netherlands aimed to build momentum, while Norway sought to test their young talents against a top European side. The match provided a valuable opportunity for players to impress their respective coaching staffs.
Norway drew first blood in the 24th minute, shocking the home crowd. Andreas Schjelderup expertly finished a move, slotting the ball past the Dutch goalkeeper. David Möller Wolfe provided the crucial assist for the opener.
The Oranje pushed for an equalizer, increasing their intensity across the pitch. Their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when captain Virgil van Dijk powered home a header. Teun Koopmeiners delivered a pinpoint cross, restoring parity before the break.
The first half ended with both teams level at 1-1. Netherlands showed resilience after conceding, while Norway displayed clinical finishing from their early chance.
At half-time, the score remained finely balanced, leaving the outcome uncertain. The Netherlands likely aimed to assert more dominance and capitalize on their offensive pushes. Norway, meanwhile, would have looked to maintain their defensive shape and exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
The Netherlands started the second half with renewed vigor and purpose. Six minutes after the restart, Tijjani Reijnders struck to give the home side the lead. Denzel Dumfries provided a well-weighted assist, setting up the midfielder for a well-taken goal in the 51st minute.
Following the go-ahead goal, both managers made a flurry of substitutions around the 64th minute. Norway introduced five new players, including Jorgen Strand Larsen and Oscar Bobb, to inject fresh energy. The Netherlands responded with changes of their own, bringing on Brian Brobbey and Xavi Simons.
The pace of the game remained high despite the alterations. The Netherlands managed the game well, rotating their squad effectively. Norway continued to press, searching for a late equalizer but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
In stoppage time, Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct. The booking occurred in the 90+3 minute, reflecting the late game tension.
The Netherlands controlled 47% of possession but demonstrated greater attacking efficiency, registering 14 total shots with five on target. Norway, despite slightly higher possession (53%) and accurate passing, managed only five shots, two of which tested the goalkeeper. Norwegian shot-stopper Ørjan Nyland made three crucial saves to prevent a wider margin.
This hard-fought 2-1 victory provides a positive test for the Netherlands as they continue their preparations. Norway will take valuable lessons from their competitive performance against a strong opponent, especially their early goal, as they look ahead.