Despite being behind and having to play with one less player after center-back Van Dijk received a red card, the Netherlands were lucky not to lose on Hungary’s field in the early morning of October 12.

Traveling to Puskas Arena with the determination to win to continue competing for the top spot with Germany, the Netherlands almost received a bitter defeat from the host Hungary.

Coach Ronald Koeman fielded a very strong lineup and almost opened the scoring in the 14th minute after an effort from midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. Luckily for Hungary, goalkeeper Denes Dibusz played very well in this situation, preventing a clear goal.

Hungary’s response was equally strong when a few minutes later, Roland Sallai received a corner kick from Dominik Szoboszlai and immediately fired a shot from outside the penalty area.

The ball passed through the forest of players on both teams and hit the Dutch goal post, bouncing out to the regret of the large Hungarian audience.

Hungary’s efforts with a series of dangerous attacks were then rewarded. In the 32nd minute, defender Nagy made an accurate assist for Roland Sallai to unleash an unstoppable shot, opening the score of the match.

Conceding a goal and having to play with one less man for the last 10 minutes, the away team’s efforts were rewarded.

Cody Gakpo took a free-kick from the right flank, crossed the ball into the box and Denzel Dumfries – who was handed the captain’s armband in place of Van Dijk – ran down the line to deliver an unstoppable header, forcing goalkeeper Denes Dibusz to pick the ball out of the net.