Ruben van Bommel impresses Netherlands before Italy‑Belgium (VIDEO)

Ruben van Bommel, the 22‑year‑old striker of PSV, made his debut with the Netherlands national team on Thursday evening, coming on in the 82nd minute against Germany and providing an assist that allowed Cody Gakpo to equalise, ahead of the upcoming Italy‑Belgium clash.

A decisive impact in seven minutes

In less than seven minutes, the young substitute turned the match around. Before his decisive move, he repeatedly forced the German goalkeeper, Ter Stegen, into action, notably with a driven right‑foot strike. He then attempted a second shot, believing the ball could have gone in because the keeper reacted late.

“On my second shot, I thought it was going to go in, because Ter Stegen reacted quite late,” he explains candidly. He adds that his intention was to deliver the ball on the right side to maximise his teammate’s chances, even though Gakpo would have preferred to receive it on the ground.

A family lineage serving the Netherlands

It is the first time that a Dutch international whose father and grandfather also played for the Netherlands has taken the field. His father, Mark van Bommel, wore the national shirt 79 times, while his grandfather, Bert van Marwijk, played an international match for the Netherlands.

Ruben Van Bommel provides the decisive Dutch free‑kick assist

Mark van Bommel, now the coach of Belgium, will make his debut at the helm of the Red Devils on Friday against Italy. “It’s truly wonderful, because the Netherlands is the highest level to reach as a player,” said the new Belgian coach.

Staff reactions and outlook

The new Netherlands coach, Xavi, praised the performance: “He showed character, passion and delivered an excellent assist.” The moment was broadcast in VIDEO, highlighting the importance of the action.

Ruben also joked about his heritage: “A selection now, like my grandfather.” He wonders about the future: “Will I surpass my father? Well, I would have to play a lot more.” His father acknowledged the difficulty of the travel: “Obviously, he wasn’t there. It was really very hard for him to come.”

Mark van Bommel puts pressure on Italy, Openda in the spotlight

The hopes are already focused on the next match against Italy, where he hopes to replicate the same success. Nations League football continues to deliver memorable moments, and the Red Devils are eagerly awaiting what comes next.