Wales vs. Netherlands: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Friendly

A brace from Arjen Robben lifted the Netherlands to a 3-2 friendly victory against Wales on Friday night from Cardiff City Stadium. 

It's a result that not many will be surprised at, as the Netherlands were 2010 World Cup runners-up and are an annual world football power, while Wales haven't appeared in a major tournament since 1958. But there has been a reversal of fortune as of late. 

Wales recently qualified for Euro 2016 in Paris, their first summer tournament in over 57 years, while the Netherlands will be staying home. Though it doesn't mean much, the Netherlands got a bit of revenge in the friendly.

Wales were shorthanded to begin with, as they were without their two best players in Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, who were unavailable for Friday's match.

The Dutch, though, who fielded close to a full side, looked to be the clear favorites and were the first to strike. They found a breakthrough in the 33rd minute thanks to a brilliant move that gave Bas Dost an unmarked header to give the Dutch the lead.

Dutch Football had the replay:

"

Here is Bas Dost's 1st international goal (via @GoalsandMore_ ) https://t.co/cVJZq7xSJp

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) November 13, 2015"

The 26-year-old didn't wait long to tally his first goal with the Netherlands, as OptaJohan pointed out:

Wales found an equalizer right at the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot. A Terence Kongolo hand ball gave the hosts a penalty, and Jasper Cillessen saved Joe Allen's initial attempt, but Joe Ledley beat Dutch defenders to the rebound and fired home the goal. 

Bale loved what he was seeing:

The Netherlands didn't wait long after the break to regain the lead. In the 54th minute, Robben showed off why he is the definition of world-class, taking on the Welsh defence, meandering his way into the box and delivering a left-footed shot that beat Wayne Hennessey. 

Mr. FCB highlighted the goal:

"

Meanwhile, Arjen #Robben doing what he does best vs Wales... #walned #FRAGER #FCB https://t.co/6GNw2ssGf6

— Mr. FCB (@MisterFCBayern) November 13, 2015"

The Agence France-Press' Tom Williams expected nothing less from Robben:

Wales weren't going away softly into the night, though, as they found another equalizer through Emyr Huws from a short corner. It was a brilliant cross from Allen, who had earlier missed the penalty to set up Ledley's goal. 

Best Soccer Videos shared Huws' powerful header:

"

Goal Emyr Huws - Wales 2-2 Netherlands (13.11.2015) Friendly match - https://t.co/sbxDBBoKZp

— Best Soccer Videos (@bestsoccervid) November 13, 2015"

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit wasn't happy with his national side's performance:

But Robben would not be denied, delivering the winner for the Netherlands. This time, Dost played provider instead of scorer, sending Robben through on the right side, where he was able to finish easily past Hennessey. 

FCB media's Cristian Nyari showcased the winner:

FourFourTwo's Huw Davies didn't mind the Welsh loss at all:

Even in the loss, Wales should feel confident knowing that they were able to keep up with one of the best teams in world football, especially without their top two players. If Bale and Ramsey were in the lineup, things could have played out much differently. 

For now, though, they can begin preparing for Euro 2016 knowing that there is plenty of quality throughout their side. 

Stats courtesy of FoxSports.com