Having failed to qualify for this summer's European Championship, Danny Blind's side showed fight but ultimately came up short against a strong France team
On an evening that was primarily about the past of Dutch football following the death of Johan Cruyff on Thursday, a good deal was learned about the immediate future of the Netherlands national team.
And as the No.14 was celebrated by all in attendance, it seemed appropriate that a player wearing that illustrious shirt grabbed the evening’s winning goal. For the home supporters, however, it was less fitting that man was France captain Blaise Matuidi.