Wout Weghorst snatches late winner to deny Wales Nations League draw with Netherlands

Wales 1 Netherlands 2

They are still feeling a little groggy in Cardiff, on and off the pitch, and this became an unexpectedly dizzying night for the sore heads in the Wales team. Just three days on from the celebrations that followed World Cup qualification, Wales thought they had snatched a draw against Holland before suddenly lurching to a late defeat.

Anyone expecting a night of low drama would not have been prepared for the events of stoppage time in the Cardiff City Stadium, where Wales scored a 92nd-minute equaliser against Holland and then immediately conceded a 94th-minute winner in this Nations League tie.

The defeat will not take away any of the shine of Sunday’s victory over Ukraine, although it will be a source of genuine annoyance. Wout Weghorst’s late header brought an end to a 19-match unbeaten run at home for Wales, and it totally sapped the excitement of their stoppage-time effort, scored by Rhys Norrington-Davies.

Still, this remains a week of joy for Wales. A World Cup place is theirs and a meeting with an organised Dutch side served as good preparation for manager Rob Page, who started with Gareth Bale on the bench as he rotated his side.

“We worked very hard to get the equaliser, so to concede so early after that was gutting,” said Bale. “But it is something we have to learn, maybe the dark arts of taking [the player] down. We need to learn from this.”

As an occasion this was never going to compare with Sunday’s outpouring of emotion, and the team selections by both managers were indicative of the reduced importance of the match. It was still a competitive game, though, rather than a meaningless friendly, and an early booking for Holland defender Jordan Teze was a measure of the intensity.

So much of the focus is on Bale when it comes to Wales but there is quality in this side without him. In Brennan Johnson and Daniel James, they boast two players of considerable pace and threat, while Joe Rodon and Ben Davies are always reliable options in defence.

Holland arrived in Cardiff on a 10-match unbeaten run yet it was Wales who created most of the notable chances in the first half. The number of changes to the Dutch side ⁠— 11 in total from their recent victory over Belgium ⁠— no doubt had something to do with it, although Wales still attacked with purpose against their more illustrious opponents.

Within the opening 30 minutes the home side had created four presentable opportunities, with Harry Wilson and Rhys Norrington-Davies both heading off target, and Wilson and James then testing Holland goalkeeper Mark Flekken from range.

For Louis van Gaal, who revealed earlier this year that he had recieved successful treatment for prostate cancer, this was an opportunity to test some of the exciting youngsters in his team. In attack were Noa Lang of Club Brugge and Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven, both of whom have been linked with moves to the Premier League.

The imposing Gakpo was the biggest danger to the Welsh defence in the first-half, when it required a fine block by Chris Mepham to prevent him scoring the opener. Such a willingness to put bodies on the line was a key feature of Sunday’s victory over Ukraine. It is an old-school approach to defending but it is generally effective for Wales.

Unfortunately for Adam Davies, the Wales goalkeeper who came on as a half-time substitute, there was to be no blocker for Teun Koopmeiners’ effort a few minutes after the break. The midfielder’s low strike flew between the Welsh bodies and beyond Davies, who could have done better as he dropped to his right.

The arrival of Bale as a substitute provided the usual lift towards the end, and Norrington-Davies thought he had salvaged a point when he rose at the back post to head home a right-wing cross from Connor Roberts.

The celebrations did not last long, however. Many of the supporters were still cheering when Holland surged up the other end. Tyrell Malacia crossed for Wout Weghorst, the Burnley striker, and his header was powerful enough to evade the diving Davies.

Match details

Wales (3-5-2); Ward 6 (A Davies 45); Mepham 6, Rodon 6, B Davies 6; C Roberts 5, Levitt 5 (Smith 68), Morrell 7 (Colwill 60), Wilson 6, Norrington-Davies 6; Johnson 6 (Bale 77), James 7 (Matondo 77)

Netherlands (3-4-3): Flekken 6; Teze 6, De Vrij 7, De Ligt 7 (Martins Indi 84); Hateboer 7, Koopmeiners 7, Schouten 6 (De Jong 68), Malacia 7; Lang 6 (Til 90), Weghorst 7, Gakpo 6 (Bergwijn 67)

Booked: Teze

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)

As it happened: Wales 1 Netherlands 2

09:41 PM

FT: Wales 1 Netherlands 2

Maximum points for Louis van Gaal from two Nations League matches after a grandstand finish. A strong showing from Wales considering their changes, but the class of Holland's subs made a difference in the second half.

09:38 PM

GOOOAAALLL! Weghorst with a bullet header of his own

This has not been the most entertaining game, but what a finish this has been. It's brilliant from Frenkie De Jong to turn on the ball in his own half and drive forward. Bergwijn chipped in a cross from the left and Weghorst powered a header past Davies from the penalty spot.

09:35 PM

GOOOAAALL! Wales have grabbed a late equaliser

There's a turn up in the 92nd minute. Roberts swings in a cross from the right and the opposite wing-back, Norrington Davies, climbs over Hateboer at the back post and powers the header in.

09:33 PM

FIVE minutes of stoppage time to play!

In truth, the Dutch have grown stronger with the strength of their substitutes and have been well in control.

09:32 PM

87 minutes

Wales running out of ideas, Matt Smith clips a cross into the box which is too heavy and skips behind for a goal kick. Weghorst fouls Mepham, and Wales get the chance to come forward again.

09:27 PM

83 minutes

Roberts with a chance to burst down the right flank but his cross is straight down the throat of Flekken. Holland's central defenders looking comfortable.

09:24 PM

81 minutes

Play is stopped due to a cut below Weghorst's eye, blood pouring down his face. It was a clash of heads with Joe Rodon. Is there time for a chance to drop at Bale's left foot?

09:23 PM

78 minutes

Hateboer has not stopped running down the right for the Netherlands, winning a corner for the visitors. Wales deal with it and keep themselves in the contest going into the last 10 minutes.

09:20 PM

76 minutes

Lovely turn from Brennan Johnson to propel Wales forward and win a corner. Johnson with another performance that shows he belongs at this level. Wales changes: Matondo on for James and a huge ovation greets Gareth Bale who replaces Johnson.

09:16 PM

72 minutes

Bergwijn linking play around the edge of the box, and Davies just about palms a cross away from danger with Weghorst lurking at the back post.

09:13 PM

69 minutes

Netherlands are now finishing this game with a stronger team than they started with and they have another corner. Davies gets his head to it and clears his lines.

09:10 PM

67 minutes

The ball runs loose around 25 yards out and James blasts a shot over the bar. Netherlands are making a change now with Schouten - who has enjoyed a solid debut - is replaced by Frenkie De Jong. Bergwijn comes on for Gakpo.

09:08 PM

64 minutes

Nice idea from James to play a give-and-go at the edge of the box, but it does not quite come off. The Dutch are quite happy to soak it up and wait for Wales to over-commit. Weghorst wins a foul on halfway and it gets them up the pitch.

09:04 PM

Koopmeiners' strike

09:03 PM

60 minutes

A couple more changes for Wales: Colwill on for Morrell who has a knock. Rubin Colwill is another prospect to come through the Chelsea academy. He has gone into a nominal centre forward position.

09:00 PM

57 minutes

Levitt with a poor pass after great work from Ben Davies. The giveaway gives the Dutch the chance to break, and Gakpo wins a corner. The PSV forward then dinks over Davies and just wide but the flag goes up for offside.

08:58 PM

55 minutes

Wales stringing some passes together for the first time in the half. Rodon strides out with the ball beyond the halfway line but his pass goes astray and straight out for a throw.

08:57 PM

53 minutes

The games has opened up now, Dan James goes down in the box but nothing doing. Norrington Davies tries to whip a cross in from the left but it bounces straight into the chest of Flekken. Ben Davies goes down after being caught in the face by Weghorst.

08:55 PM

GOAALLLL! Holland lead through Koopmeiners

The goal was coming since the start of the second half, both central midfielders exchanging passes. Schouten feed the ball into Koopmeiners at the edge of the box, and he fired a shot into the bottom corner with his weaker right foot.

08:52 PM

49 minutes

Koopmeiners took the shot on with his left foot, trying to whip it around the wall, but it flew wide of the near post.

08:50 PM

47 minutes

Netherlands have started this half at a better tempo, enjoying plenty of possession in the Wales half but they failed to pick a pass after getting to the by-line. Nice turn from Gakpo and Mepham got too tight. Free-kick for the visitors near the corner of the box.

08:49 PM

We're back under way!

Despite their many options on the bench, no changes from Van Gaal yet. Clearly wants to have a longer look at some of his fringe players.

08:46 PM

Half-time change for Wales

Adam Davies replaces Danny Ward in goal.

08:41 PM

After the Lord Mayor's show

08:32 PM

HT: Wales 0 Netherlands 0

Rob Page's team have been comfortable and were on top until an improvement from the Dutch in the last 10 minutes of the. Not a half of many chances.

08:30 PM

44 minutes

Looks like Brennan Johnson may have an injury problem but is going to limp through the half time and then assess the problem. Wales send a free-kick into the box but the whistle goes for a foul on De Ligt by Rodon.

08:28 PM

A tradition continues

08:27 PM

41 minutes

Just like against Ukraine on Sunday, it's more excellent defending from Davies to win a crucial block and snuff out the danger. Nice interplay between Weghorst and Gakpo before Rodon heads well to deny the Dutch striker on the cross.

08:25 PM

39 minutes

Di Ligt with an ambitious strike from distance that takes a deflection but drops to a Wales defender in the box.

In Dublin, Ukraine have just taken the lead against Republic of Ireland. Scotland lead Armenia through Ralston's goal.

08:24 PM

36 minutes

First sign of any serious quality from Netherlands as Weghorst flicks the ball in behind for Lang but Wales are back to defend well. Then Roberts turns a cross behind for a corner. First bit of pressure from Holland.

08:19 PM

33 minutes

Lovely first touch from Roberts in the box to pluck the ball out of the sky but the flag is up for offside. Netherlands then enjoy a longer sequence of passes but it is almost all in front of Wales. Rodon reads play well to cut out a low cross from Gakpo.

08:15 PM

30 minutes

James with a side-foot effort from the corner of the box straight at Flekken. Another poor pass from the Dutch when they build out from the back, Wales are stopping them at source and preventing the likes of Koopmeiners from getting on the ball.

08:14 PM

28 minutes

Malacia fouls Roberts from behind on the right and Wales have the chance to deliver into the penalty area, but Weghorst heads out of his own box. Wales sprint back to stop any potential counter-attack.

08:11 PM

26 minutes

Wales enjoying some territory and pressure, but Netherlands stand firm at successive corners. The visitors have been largely stifled so far, struggling for rhythm and looking like a team who have made 11 changes.

08:08 PM

23 minutes

Ben Davies pushing forward, but his cross from the left floats out for a goal kick. No Moore up front for Wales tonight so they need to be more measured rather than stand balls up to the back stick.

08:06 PM

20 minutes

Netherlands goalkeeper Flekken trying to tempt James to press him so he can clip a pass over his head, but he hits it straight at him, bouncing wide of the goal. Scary moment for Netherlands and a let off.

08:04 PM

18 minutes

Wales looking to hit the space behind the Dutch back three but this long ball skips through to Flekken in goal. The atmosphere is a little subdued and flat now.

Norrington Davies with another strong burst down the left and Hateboer has to produce a sliding challenge at the edge of the box to stop him.

08:01 PM

15 minutes

Harry Wilson climbs at the back post from a Wales corner and heads not far wide of the post. The corner was won by a good overlap down the left by Norrington Davies. Brennan Johnson then spins in behind De Ligt and wins a throw deep in the Dutch half.

07:58 PM

12 minutes

De Ligt is the spare man when the Dutch build attacks and is enjoying plenty of space to carry the ball forward deep into Wales territory. Cross clipped into the box but Gakpo is crowded out. Loose pass from De Vrij goes straight out for a throw-in.

07:56 PM

10 minutes

Cody Gakpo has been linked with a Premier League move this summer and the PSV forward starts in an inside left position tonight. Play is paused with Joe Morrell down after being winded in an aerial challenge.

07:54 PM

8 minutes

First clear opening for the Dutch after Rodon was caught on the ball trying to dribble out with it, but the counter-attack was butchered by the wrong choice of pass and Wales survive a two-against-four defensively.

07:52 PM

6 minutes

Wales' speed and trickery causing more problems as Schouten trips Brennan Johnson who was driving towards the Dutch backline. Neither free-kick amounts to much though and Netherlands enjoy some more possession in their own half.

07:49 PM

4 minutes

An early incident for the referee to deal with as Holland's right-sided centre-back Teze steps into the path of Dan James to block him off and stop him breaking away.

07:48 PM

2 minutes

Early foul from Ben Davies on halfway and the visitors settle into a period of possession. De Ligt and De Vrij enjoying plenty of touches,  Wales sitting deep in their own half.

07:45 PM

KICK OFF!

Wales get us under way. Netherlands lining up in a 3-4-1-2 shape.

07:39 PM

The players are in the tunnel....

Not quite as packed as Sunday evening but still plenty of Wales fans in to show their appreciation for Robert Page and his players.

07:31 PM

Page speaks

07:17 PM

Our man in Cardiff

07:00 PM

Rob Page on Bale's future

06:59 PM

Wales team news

Skipper Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are among those rested as Wales made seven changes.

Ben Davies, Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts and Daniel James were the four survivors from Sunday's World Cup play-off victory against Ukraine. Bale is named on the bench.

06:59 PM

Seven changes for Wales with Ben Davies as captain

06:54 PM

Scotland have made six changes for their game against Armenia

06:45 PM

Like Wales, several key names missing for Van Gaal

Using this fixture as a chance to experiment with Frenkie De Jong, Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries on the bench. No Van Dijk due to injury.  A full sweep of 11 changes.

06:38 PM

Netherlands starting XI and subs

04:14 PM

Party time for Wales but Netherlands are developing nicely

There will be a carnival atmosphere in Cardiff tonight where Wales face Netherlands in their first game since qualifying for a first World Cup since 1958.

Head coach Rob Page has stressed the importance of their Nations League fixtures and dismissed suggestions of a lingering hangover, but it will be hard for Wales' players to summon the required energy after an emotional win over Ukraine. Wales lost their first Nations League match against Portugal last week, and it is expected that Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey will be rested for this evening's game. That could mean a chance for the likes of Harry Wilson and Brennan Johnson, who has enjoyed a golden few weeks after winning promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.

"We want to win games so it's about getting a balance," said Wales manager Robert Page. "We're not in this competition to just make the numbers up and purely expose our younger players - we want to win games as well.

"Is it realistic to ask some of the senior players to go again in quick succession? Probably not."

Netherlands are looking strong under Louis van Gaal and brushed Belgium aside last time out with Steven Bergwijn impressing, but are without Virgil van Dijk. They are preparing for a potentially friendly World Cup group featuring Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador. Netherlands and Wales have met eight times with Oranje winning all eight games. The last meeting was back in 2015 with Netherlands winning 3-2 in Cardiff thanks to an Arjen Robben double. Van Gaal revealed earlier this year he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer which has been successful.

"It's not the moment to speak about my disease but I can assure you I can manage, because this group is a present for me," said Van Gaal. "In my career, I have never coached such a group. The result against Belgium was fantastic but we have to look forward and develop a team for the World Cup."

Full team news on the way shortly.