Georginio Wijnaldum blasted home from close range and Memphis Depay converted a last-gasp penalty to earn the Netherlands a 2-0 win over world champions France on Friday and condemn Germany to relegation from their Nations League group.
Wijnaldum followed up after France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a fine stop from point-blank range just before halftime and Depay sealed the victory to give the Dutch a chance to win the group when they meet Germany in Gelsenkirchen on Monday.
Lloris stood between the Netherlands and a bigger winning margin with several key saves as he replicated his form from the World Cup but the Dutch got a second goal with the last kick of the match from Depay’s penalty.
France, despite losing their first game since winning the World Cup, remained top of the Group One standings but have completed their campaign.
UEFA Nations League results on Thursday:
Netherlands 2
France 0
Cyprus 1
Bulgaria 1
Slovenia 1
Norway 1
Gibraltar 2
Armenia6
Liechtenstein 0
Macedonia 2
Slovakia 4
Ukraine1
Wales 1
Denmark 2