The Dutch Juniors‘ promising start to European Under-21 Championship qualification stalled Friday, drawing their second match after a goalless encounter following a concerning injury to midfielder Isaac Milambo. The team,previously dominant in qualifying for the 2025 tournament with a perfect ten-match winning streak,now faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the 2027 edition.
The draw leaves the Dutch Juniors with two points from two matches, trailing Young Norway, their primary competitor, who currently holds three points from a single game. While Ro-Zangelo Daal came close to scoring after the break with a shot that hit the crossbar, and Ezekiel Banzuzi missed a header from a Wouter Goes cross-Goes captaining in the absence of Rav van den Berg-the team ultimately failed to capitalize on opportunities.
The team’s qualifying hopes were further dampened by Milambo’s injury, the severity of which remains unknown. The potential loss of the key midfielder raises notable concerns for the remainder of the qualification campaign.
The Dutch Juniors will next face Lithuania in Emmen next Tuesday, seeking to regain momentum and solidify their position in the qualifying group.The team’s performance will be crucial as they attempt to overcome the setback and maintain their aspirations for a place in the 2027 European Under-21 Championship.
