Netherlands Beat Norway 2-1 As Reijnders Scores Winner In Haaland And Odegaard Absence

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Tijjani Reijnders struck the decisive goal as the Netherlands overturned a deficit to beat Norway 2-1 in Amsterdam. The friendly saw the Oranje recover from an early setback, with Virgil van Dijk also scoring, while Norway missed chances and clearly felt the absence of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken travelled without Manchester City striker Haaland, who was rested, and Arsenal midfielder Odegaard, who had a knee problem. Their two leading names watched from afar as Norway took a surprise lead, but the hosts gradually controlled possession and used set-pieces and wide deliveries to change the game.

Despite the missing stars, Norway struck first after 24 minutes through Andreas Schjelderup. The forward cut in from the left side of the box and bent a precise shot into the far corner. That goal came against the run of early Dutch pressure, and it briefly unsettled Ronald Koeman’s team.

The Netherlands responded by increasing the tempo, with Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen both denied by Orjan Nyland. The goalkeeper showed sharp reflexes on each occasion. The resistance finally broke when Van Dijk rose highest to meet Teun Koopmeiners’ corner, powering a header past Nyland to level the score.

Norway still carried a threat before the interval, with Schjelderup and Jorgen Strand Larsen missing promising openings. Those wasted chances proved costly. Six minutes into the second half, Denzel Dumfries drove down the right and squared the ball, and Reijnders controlled the pass before drilling in the winning strike.

After going 2-1 up, the Netherlands managed the contest with more comfort, even as both coaches made several substitutions. Norway continued to look for Strand Larsen early with direct passes, yet the Dutch defence handled crosses better. The visitors struggled to recreate the cutting edge usually offered by Haaland’s movement and finishing.

Netherlands vs Norway friendly: key stats and player impact

Bart Verbruggen delivered a vital late intervention to secure the result. With nine minutes left, Strand Larsen improvised a close-range flick that seemed destined for goal. Verbruggen reacted quickly, stretching to turn the attempt away and deny Norway an equaliser during their final spell of pressure.

Solbakken paired Crystal Palace forward Strand Larsen with Alexander Sorloth in Haaland’s absence. Norway’s total expected goals measured 0.83, with Strand Larsen responsible for 0.37 after receiving two good chances. Neither opportunity was converted, underlining the difference from World Cup qualifying, when Haaland scored 16 goals in eight matches.

Dumfries again showed value for the Netherlands, attacking repeatedly from wing-back. The Inter player created four chances, including the assist for Reijnders’ decisive goal, double the tally of any other participant. Koeman selected a strong side for this friendly, and that quality eventually wore Norway down despite the early scare.

The match offered Netherlands useful preparation, as Koeman’s side showed resilience and effective use of wide areas. Norway gained encouragement from Schjelderup’s display and organised play but lacked Haaland’s ruthless finishing. Both teams rotated heavily late on, yet the decisive moments had already ensured a 2-1 home victory.