Watch: Netherlands celebrates the win with Cristiano Ronaldo's 'SIUUU' after defeating Panama, 3-1

Well, Thursday’s Pool. The World Baseball Classic showdown between the Netherlands and Panama was just as expected: an excellent defensive fight. Panama gave up three runs on seven hits (it could’ve been more if left fielder Allen Córdoba hadn’t made a laser throw to cut down Wladimir Balentien at the plate). Nevertheless, the Netherlands, led by sensation Xander Bogaerts at shortstop, let up just one run to win its second consecutive Pool A game, 3-1.

After the win, the Netherlands celebrated in Cristiano Ronaldo style by doing “Siuuu”. Bogaerts not only played outstanding defense, but he also hit a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the third to give his country an early 1-0 lead. He finished the day with three hits (a single and a double), an RBI, and two runs scored. In the bottom of the ninth, he dashed home on a passed ball.

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With another dinger to right in the fifth, fellow big leaguer Jurickson Profar gave the Dutch some breathing distance. Of all, allowing one run affects not only the defense but also the pitching. Shairon Martis didn’t throw a no-hitter again, but he did strike out four batters in 3 1/3 innings. Mike Bolsenbroek, a 6-foot-8 righty from Apeldoorn, Netherlands, pitched two and third innings, allowing one run on three hits. The remainder of the trip was handled by Kevin Kelly, Franklin Van Gurp, and Wendell Floranus.

Profar and Bogaerts both mentioned the team’s sense of unity, saying that they feel like family and brothers. That familial solidarity reaches all the way around the world. The Netherlands will play Chinese Taipei here on Saturday (6 a.m. ET Friday, Tubi), while Panama will play Cuba on Friday (11:30 p.m. ET Thursday, FS1). Pool A also includes Italy. In round-robin play, each team plays the other four, with the pool champion and runner-up progressing to the quarterfinals in Tokyo against the top teams from Pool B.

Watch the whole match below.

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