friendly
7:45 p.mMarch 27, 2026
International friendly
Johan Cruyff Arena
Referee: Lawrence Visser, Belgium
Netherlands
Norway
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
385 (86%)
Accurate passes
420 (84%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Bart Verbruggen
6.7
15
d
Micky van de Ven
6.6
d
Virgil van Dijk (C)
35′
3
d
Jan Paul van Hecke
7.3
d
Denzel Dumfries
51′
21
M
Kees Smith
6.3
8
M
Ryan Gravenberch
7.2
11
M
Cody Steele
7.9
M
Tijjani Reijnders
51′
M
You have Koopmeiners
35′
18
F
Donyell Malen
6.3
1
G
Orjan Nyland
7.3
d
David Moller Wolfe
24′
17
d
Torbjørn Heggem
6.5
d
Kristoffer Ajer
90+3′ Unsportsmanlike conduct
14
d
Julian Ryerson
7.0
M
Andreas Schjelderup
24′
6
M
Patrick Berg
6.9
8
M
Sander Berge (C)
6.2
22
M
Oscar Bob
6.6
11
F
Jørgen Strand Larsen
7.0
7
F
Alexander Sørloth
6.5
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The Netherlands staged a second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 friendly win against Norway at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring the winner.
Both nations used this friendly on 27 March 2026 to fine-tune their squads and tactics. The Netherlands were looking to build momentum, while Norway were looking to test their young talents against a top European team. The match was a valuable opportunity for the players to impress their respective coaching staffs.
Norway drew first blood in the 24th minute and stunned the home crowd. Andreas Schjelderup finished off a skillful move and slotted the ball past the Dutch keeper. David Möller Wolfe provided the crucial assist for the first goal.
The Oranje pushed for an equaliser, increasing their intensity across the pitch. Their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when captain Virgil van Dijk headed home. Teun Koopmeiners made a pinpoint cross and restored parity before the break.
The first half ended with the two teams drawing 1-1. The Netherlands showed resilience after conceding, while Norway displayed a clinical finish from their first chance.
At half-time, the score remained well balanced, leaving the outcome uncertain. The Netherlands were likely looking to assert more dominance and capitalize on their offensive thrusts. Norway, for its part, would have sought to maintain its defensive shape and take advantage of counterattack 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.
After 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, with Brian Brobbey and Xavi Simons.
The tempo of the match remained high despite the alterations. The Netherlands managed the match well, rotating their squad effectively. Norway continued to press, looking 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 warning came in the 90+3 minute, reflecting the tension at the end of the game.
The Netherlands controlled 47% of the possession, but showed greater offensive efficiency, registering a total of 14 shots with five on target. Norway, despite having slightly more possession (53%) and accurate passing, managed just five shots, two of which tested the goalkeeper. Norwegian shooter Ørjan Nyland made three crucial saves to prevent a wider margin.
This hard-fought 2-1 victory is a positive test for the Netherlands as they continue their preparations. Norway will take valuable lessons from their competitive performance against strong opposition, especially their opening goal, as they look ahead.
