In the qualifying match of Group C for the European Championship 2020 between Netherlands and Estonia, Georginio Wijnaldum, the stand-in captain for the Netherlands was able to score a hat trick to lead his team’s 5-0 shutout victory.
The Netherlands had already managed to seal themselves a spot for the European Championship 2020 by having a 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland back on last Saturday. This is the first time since the World Cup in 2014 held in Brazil that the Netherlands was able to finish as a qualified team for a major tournament. Netherlands was able to finish at the 2nd spot of Group C and is only behind no. 1 in the group, Germany. Germany also thrashed Northern Ireland earlier on the day for a 6-1 win.
Wijnaldum was playing as the captain of the team in absence of the regular captain Virgil van Dijk. The scoreboard was opened by Wijnaldum with a header shot during the 6th minute with a header shot. His 2 more goal shots were able to make it to the goalkeeper of Estonia Sergei Lepmets during the 66th and 79th minute of the game.
The 2nd goal for the Netherlands was scored by Nathan Ake, also with header shot, during the 19th minute whereas the game-winning last goal was scored by Boadu during the 87th minute.
Wijnaldum after making his first goal of the game celebrated it by running to the touchline with the teammate Frenkie de Jong. Both Frenkie de Jong and Wijnaldum lifted their arms close to each other to make a statement against racism rampant in the league. The midfielder from Liverpool spoke really forcefully against this rampant racism in soccer during a press conference held on Monday.
Wijnaldum also told media after the game, “It needs to be said. I hope that something is being done to stop this now so this can not only stop in football but also in society.”
Related Content
