Defending champions and hosts Netherlands kicked off the defense of their European Under 21 championship title by a convincing 1-0 victory over Israel at the Abe Lenstra stadium in Heerenveen on Sunday.

Hedwiges Maduro scored the game's only goal in the 10th minute to give Netherlands the lead in the opening match of the European Under-21 championship. The Dutch started the game on a strong note, coming very close to scoring inside the first few minutes.

Captain Ron Vlaar came very close to opening his team's account in the tournament, but saw his free kick attempt fly over the bar. Ajax striker, Ryan Babel came very close to scoring a few minutes later, but his shot narrowly missed the target.

Meanwhile Israel had a chance to score at the other end, when Omer Peretz shot wide after doing well to reach a low cross from Eliran Danin. Israel was made to pay for that miss three minutes later when Netherlands took the lead through a set piece.

Royston Drenthe curled in a free kick at the far post and Maduro made no mistake, tapping the ball in from close range. However Israel did not lose hope and pressed ahead in search for an equalizer. The Dutch looked unable to cope with the pace and movement of Ben Sahar and Barak Itzhaki, who were threatening to take the match away.

Sahar had a great chance to equalize for his team, but shot well wide of the target from 15 yards out. Israel went into the break frustrated at not the chances that had come its way. One minute into the second half, Sahar had the best chance of the match when the Chelsea striker latched on to a mistake by Drenthe, but once again failed to covert, shooting straight at keeper Boy Waterman.

Netherlands had a couple of good chances in the second half to put the game beyond doubt failed to produce the final touch in front of goal. The Dutch next face Portugal on Tuesday while Israel will be pitted against Belgium.