The Netherlands defeated Norway 2-1 in an international friendly in Amsterdam on March 27, providing a taste of the quality expected at this summer's World Cup. Norway took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup, but Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders scored to secure the win for the hosts.
The match at the Johan Cruyff Arena kicked off at 19:45 GMT, with both teams missing key players ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Netherlands were without top scorer Memphis Depay due to injury, while Norway coach Stale Solbakken rested star striker Erling Haaland, opting for squad rotation later in the game. The Dutch lined up with Bart Verbruggen in goal, Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, and Micky van de Ven in defense; Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders, and Kees Smit in midfield; and Teun Koopmeiners, Donyell Malen, and Cody Gakpo up front. Norway started with Orjan Nyland in goal, Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, and David Moller Wolfe at the back; Oscar Bobb, Sander Berge, and Patrick Berg in midfield; and Alexander Sorloth, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Andreas Schjelderup in attack. The first half began cautiously, but Schjelderup sparked the game midway through, cutting inside from the left and curling a superb shot into the far corner to give Norway the lead. The Netherlands equalized before the break when captain Virgil van Dijk rose highest from a Teun Koopmeiners corner and headed past Nyland. After halftime, Ronald Koeman's side took control, and in the 51st minute, Tijjani Reijnders finished after interplay involving Cody Gakpo and Denzel Dumfries. Norway threatened sporadically, with Jorgen Strand Larsen denied at point-blank range by a reaction save from Verbruggen. The Dutch managed the game effectively through late pressure and substitutions, limiting clear chances to secure the victory. This result extends the Netherlands' unbeaten run in normal time since October 2024, while Norway remain unbeaten in 12 games since their last defeat.
