The Dutch Juniors started the qualifying match with Ryan Gravenberch. The 19-year-old Amsterdammer was with the big Orange during previous international matches, but national coach Louis van Gaal now had no place for the Ajax player in his selection. Erwin van de Looi had room for him at the Dutch Juniors.
The national coach had also made room for Milan van Ewijk. It marked his debut in the Van de Looi team for the 21-year-old right back of SC Heerenveen.
Apart from a short revival at the beginning of the second half, the Orange squad put down an extremely sloppy game with little pace. The level was far below par. In the end, Bulgaria even recorded the most dangerous opportunities and was actually entitled to a penalty. Goalie Kjell Scherpen saved his team in the final phase with some excellent saves. The Orange is therefore lucky that it takes another point from Sofia.
Due to the draw, Van de Looi’s formation now has to beat Young Switzerland next Tuesday to keep things in their own hands. Because the Swiss themselves won on Friday-evening, the Orange squad is now five points behind with one game less played.