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The Netherlands, sparkling in attack but leaky in defence, dominated Bosnia-Herzegovina 5-2 in Eindhoven in the top tier of the Nations League in Eindhoven on Saturday.
Three days before hosting Germany, who also scored five on Saturday in Group C, Netherlands were inspired by Xavi Simons.
In the absence of Memphis Depay, without a club since leaving Atletico Madrid and reported by the Dutch media to be close to signing for Corinthians in Brazil, Joshua Zirkzee started up front for the first time.
The Manchester United striker scored the first goal with a subtle header in the 13th minute following a move initiated by Simons.
The Bosnians managed to equalise with their first chance through Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic who beat Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs De Ligt on 27 minutes.
The Dutch control of the ball, however, remained total. Jerdy Schouten shot against the bar after 42 minutes and in first half added time, Tijjani Reijnders finished off a fine team move.
Cody Gakpo, an Eindhoven native, delighted fans by making it 3-1 when he latched onto a Reijnders cross just before the hour.
The Bosnians did not give up. Edin Dzeko brought them back to 3-2 pouncing on careless play by De Ligt.
Ronald Koeman’s side restored their two-goal lead two minutes from time through Wout Weghorst, before Simons rounded off an excellent performance with the final goal.
bnl/pb/bsp
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