The Netherlands’ hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2016 took a huge blow as Gylfi Sigurdsson’s penalty gave Iceland a 1-0 win in Amsterdam.
The Dutch had Bruno Martins Indi sent off in the first half after clashing with Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.
Iceland were then awarded a penalty early in the second half, which Swansea midfielder Sigurdsson converted.
The Netherlands are third in Group A, six points behind Czech Republic and another two off group leaders Iceland.
Iceland, who have never reached a major tournament finals before, are top with 18 points.
“We are all flying now,” said co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. “This is the biggest achievement in our football history.”
Iceland, who beat the Netherlands 2-0 in Reykjavik, can guarantee their place at Euro 2016 with a home win over Kazakhstan on Sunday.
The defeat for the Netherlands, meanwhile, marked a disappointing start to his career as national team boss for Danny Blind, who replaced Guus Hiddink last month and now has only three games to turn around their qualifying campaign.
Third place would be enough for a play-off spot, although the Dutch are only one point above fourth-placed Turkey, who drew 1-1 with Latvia.
Czech Republic strengthened their hold on second place by coming from behind to beat Kazakhstan 2-1.
-Pelle gives Italy the edge-
Meanwhile, Southampton striker Graziano Pelle scored in the second half as Italy beat Malta 1-0 in Group H.
Italy’s main rivals for top spot Croatia were held to a goalless draw by Azerbaijan.
Norway remain third after seeing off Bulgaria 1-0, Vegard Forren scoring the only goal of the game.
Culled from BBC …Read More
Source:: PM Newspaper
