Soccer Football - Euro 2020 - Group C - North Macedonia v Netherlands - Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands - June 21, 2021 Netherlands' Donyell Malen reacts Pool via REUTERS/Dean Mouhtaropoulos
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Netherlands had every reason to step down a couple of gears but instead upped their pace thanks to a fine display by speedy forward Donyell Malen in Monday's 3-0 win over North Macedonia, advancing their claims to be genuine Euro 2020 contenders.
Frank de Boer's side had already qualified for the knockouts as group winners but whereas Italy's Roberto Mancini made sweeping changes for his side's 1-0 win over Wales, the Dutchman fielded his strongest team in their final Group C game.
