Holland were denied a Euro 2016 playoff spot after losing their final match 3-2 to Czech Republic at home. Holland needed a win in this game and also wanted Turkey to lose against Iceland but neither happened and it means we won't be seeing the Oranje colours in this summers tournament.
Things started out badly for the Dutch team and they were soon behind 0-2, quick goals from Pavel Kaderabek and Josef Sural. But Holland was provided with the perfect opportunity to fight back when Czech player Marek Suchy was sent off before half time.
Any hopes of a comeback were ruined when Van Persie sent the ball into his own net following a free-kick. That moment epitomized Holland's qualifying campaign and although they fought back with two goals later on, it was to no avail as they ended up losing the game 2-3.
But even a victory would not have sent them to the playoffs, as Turkey beat Iceland 1-0 in the other match of the group. It is the first time that Holland have failed to qualify for a major tournament after missing out on 2002 World Cup. Holland finished at an impressive third place in the previous World Cup and this turnaround of event has been somewhat shocking.
There has been a sudden transition in the team and with manager Louis Van Gaal also leaving his country to coach Manchester United, Holland had looked to be in absolute shambles right from the beginning of the campaign. They missed Robben for most part due to injury and Van Persie's decline also hit them hard.
Their manager Guus Hiddink was sacked midway through the campaign and new boss Danny Blind couldn't do much either. The Dutch Football Association has insisted that Danny Blind will remain in charge for now despite the mounting pressure on him.
 |
| For this first time since 1984, Netherlands will not participate in the European Championships. |
Any hopes of a comeback were ruined when Van Persie sent the ball into his own net following a free-kick. That moment epitomized Holland's qualifying campaign and although they fought back with two goals later on, it was to no avail as they ended up losing the game 2-3.
But even a victory would not have sent them to the playoffs, as Turkey beat Iceland 1-0 in the other match of the group. It is the first time that Holland have failed to qualify for a major tournament after missing out on 2002 World Cup. Holland finished at an impressive third place in the previous World Cup and this turnaround of event has been somewhat shocking.
There has been a sudden transition in the team and with manager Louis Van Gaal also leaving his country to coach Manchester United, Holland had looked to be in absolute shambles right from the beginning of the campaign. They missed Robben for most part due to injury and Van Persie's decline also hit them hard.
Their manager Guus Hiddink was sacked midway through the campaign and new boss Danny Blind couldn't do much either. The Dutch Football Association has insisted that Danny Blind will remain in charge for now despite the mounting pressure on him.
Post a Comment