2021 European Championship farewell: the Dutch defeated Hungary – PHOTOS, VIDEO

Hungary’s final group match of the 2021 European Championship ended in a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands, meaning Zoltán Gera’s team finish in fourth place in the group.

Our U21 national team was left without a point against Germany and Romania after their first two European Championship matches, so, regardless of the result of their last group-stage fixture against the Netherlands, it was already certain that they could not progress to the knockout stages. However, Zoltán Gera’s team was hoping to spring a surprise against the Dutch and end their tournament on a high note. Meanwhile,

the Dutch had everything at stake,

given that after their draws against the other two group rivals, they definitely had to win to progress.

Hungary coach Gera made six changes to his starting lineup from the Romania match, Benedek Varju, Mihály Kata, András Huszti, Donát Bárány, Csaba Bukta and Kristóf Hinora joining Szabolcs Mezei, Bendegúz Bolla, Attila Mocsi, Alen Skribek and goalkeeper Balázs Bese on the pitch at the start.

The first quarter of an hour saw the visitors shade possession but

Hungary had the better opportunities,

twice seeing the ball cleared by opposing defenders when in promising positions in the Dutch penalty area. However, the Netherlands soon took control of the game, their attacks becoming more and more dangerous and Bese twice having to make saves. Hungary held out until the 42nd minute when De Wit took control of defence-splitting pass, surged towards the Hungary goal under pressure from Varju and fired the ball into the bottom-right corner of the net.