Memphis is obviously very disappointed with his missed penalty against Poland (2-2). The occasional captain had the winning goal on his foot in extra time on Saturday, but failed to face Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski.
“A ball like that just has to go in, then we win the game,” Memphis said afterwards NOS† “Unfortunately it can happen that you miss it. I train on penalties and often enough I shoot them in.”
Partly due to the miss by Memphis, who hit the post, the Orange was unable to prevent the first loss of points in the Nations League. The team of national coach Louis van Gaal created enough opportunities, especially after the break, but continuously encountered goalkeeper Skorupski.
“Now it feels like a defeat,” Memphis continued. “It was a difficult game. Poland collapsed and the spaces were super small. They hardly had a chance, but they take the lead and then go behind the ball with ten men.”
‘I always want to play well’
Memphis wore, in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and the passed Georginio Wijnaldum, the captain’s armband with Orange. According to Memphis, the new role did not cause any extra pressure.
“I don’t think one has to do with the other. Captain or not, I always want to play well. Today that wasn’t the case, but it can happen.”
Despite the loss of points, the Orange remains the leader in group 4 of Division A of the Nations League. The other match in the group between Wales and Belgium ended in a draw: 1-1.
Disappointment at Memphis Depay after his missed penalty.
Disappointment at Memphis Depay after his missed penalty. Photo: Getty Images
Standings group 4 Division A
- 1. Netherlands 3-7 (+4)
- 2. Belgium 3-4 (+2)
- 3. Poland 3-4 (-4)
- 4. Wales 3-1 (-2)