‘That was my mistake’: Xavi takes responsibility for Netherlands poor first half against Greece

‘That was my mistake’: Xavi takes responsibility for Netherlands poor first half against Greece The Netherlands staged a second half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw in Athens last night. The side were 2-0 down at half-time, but rallied in the second 45 minutes to remain undefeated under new head coach Xavi . However, the former Barcelona midfielder was not happy with what he saw in the first 45, and took the blame for the performance. Speaking to the media after the game, Xavi said ‘ The first half was really bad. It was important to create chances from the start, but we did nothing. There wasn’t enough intensity and ambition. That was my mistake. Maybe the lineup wasn’t right ‘. Goals from Fotis Ioanndis and Giorgos Masouras had given Greece the lead by the half, with Xavi then forced into some half-time changes to turn things around. Immediately the Spanish head coach brought on Noa Lang, Tijjani Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch. Virgil van Dijk made it 2-1 on the hour mark, with substitute Reijnders scoring late on to rescue a point. Gijvai Zechiel had an instant impact after coming on for Jurrien Timber, providing the assist for the equaliser. After three games, Xavi’s side have won one and drawn two in the Nations League. They end the international break with a home match against Serbia on the 4th of October. GBeNeFN  |  Ben Jackson