Latvia vs. Netherlands: Score, Grades and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier

The Netherlands received second-half goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and Luciano Narsingh to score a vital 2-0 victory over Latvia in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday.

Iceland edged the Czech Republic in the other key Group A match to move atop the table with 15 points. The Czechs are second with 13, and the Dutch hold third place with 10. The top two advance without the need for a playoff, so the Oranje will need to maintain their winning ways in the last four group matches.

The Netherlands scored a 6-0 victory over Latvia at home back in November. Guus Hiddink expected the challenge would be much tougher in the rematch. Mark Gleeson of Reuters passed along the head coach's comments about playing the fixture without injured winger Arjen Robben.

"With the absence of Arjen Robben, the team will lose 30 to 40 percent of its quality and production. That's the impact he has shown over the last year and a half," Hiddink said. "It's a loss for the Dutch national team, but also very annoying for him and Bayern Munich. I can complain about it long and hard, but that will not help. We must go on."

The 31-year-old superstar's stabilizing presence was notably absent in a 4-3 friendly loss to the United States last week. But it was a good learning experience for the rest of the squad heading into the more important Euro qualifier.

After a sluggish start, which saw Latvia take a couple of free kicks in the attacking half, the Oranje were able to gain control about 10 minutes in. The Manchester United tandem of Memphis Depay and Robin van Persie both had chances to grab the early lead but couldn't put the ball on frame.

It marked the beginning of a sustained stretch of pressure for the Netherlands. Football Oranje noted Wesley Sneijder was unfortunate not to get rewarded for a terrific effort:

The Oranje kept coming in attacking waves, generating a couple of scoring opportunities each time. They lacked the finishing touch necessary to get on the board, though. Latvian goalkeeper Andris Vanins came up with a couple of key stops on Depay and Van Persie, too.

After the Netherlands squandered multiple looks at goal, the Sarkanbaltsarkanie nearly emerged with the lead. Valerijs Sabala was able to create some space deep in Oranje territory, but his effort went wide.

OptaJohan highlighted the Netherlands' struggles in the attacking third:

Dutch Football pointed out the technical issues from the favored side:

"

Netherlands tactic of give the ball to Depay, let him cut in and shoot isn't working. Huntelaar getting absolutely no service.

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) June 12, 2015"

The Netherlands easily won the possession battle at 63 percent in the first half. Yet without Robben in the lineup, they were unable to capitalize.

Depay found himself with another outstanding look shortly after the halftime break. This time, he broke free in the box and got his head to the cross, but he couldn't redirect it into the net. His new fans at Old Trafford will want to see him covert those in the future.

Then, just as it seemed like the Latvian defensive wall might hold for the entire match, the Oranje broke through with just over 20 minutes to go.

Wijnaldum, who came off the bench for Van Persie, made his presence immediately felt, as he became the one to finally beat Vanins. He was able to quickly corral a loose ball in the box, turned and slipped it in the right corner.

Elko Born of the Blizzard made an interesting point following the tally:

Just four minutes later, the Oranje stretched the lead to two.

Latvia were caught up field trying to push forward for the equalizer, and the Netherlands put together a quick counter. Stefan de Vrij found Narsingh, who raced toward goal and calmly slid the ball into the corner for some breathing room.

OptaJohan noted the goal that finally took some pressure off the side's shoulders:

There was no comeback bid in the remaining time. The Netherlands maintained control after the quick back-to-back strikes and saw out the match to ensure three points.

Latvia really needed three points on Friday if they were going to start making a charge up the Group A table. The side's defense gave their offense ample time to find a goal, but it just didn't happen and the Oranje eventually capitalized. It would take a miracle to advance now.

On the flip side, the Netherlands got the three points they needed to stay in third place and within striking distance of the top two. The break in qualifiers—the next two aren't until early September—should help them get healthy, particularly when it comes to Robben.

There's still plenty of work to do, with fixtures against Iceland and the Czech Republic, but Friday's win was a key step in the right direction for the Dutch.

Key Player Grades

Mindaugas Kulbis/Associated Press

Memphis Depay (Netherlands): B+

Depay deserves a lot of credit for his work rate. He was a constant presence deep in Latvia territory to create attacking opportunities. Alas, he needed to do a lot better in terms of finishing, failing to covert on several promising chances in front of goal.

Robin van Persie (Netherlands): C

Van Persie started the match well for the Dutch in the No. 10 role. He helped jump-start many of the offensive forays the side mounted in the first half. He couldn't find the net, however, and was substituted shortly after the hour mark in favor of Wijnaldum, who scored the winner.

Andris Vanins (Latvia): B

It was a solid performance from the Latvian goalkeeper. His defense did well to keep most of the Netherlands' chances to the outside, which alleviated some of the pressure. That said, he stood tall when called upon and kept the underdogs level for as long as he could.

Valerijs Sabala (Latvia): B-

A rare attacking bright spot for the Sarkanbaltsarkanie on this day. The side spent most of the match defending, so he wasn't able to get a ton of touches. When he did, the 21-year-old rising star looked dangerous and just missed a chance late in the first that could have changed the match's complexion.

Post-Match Reaction

Daley Blind celebrated the key victory:

Dutch Football provided comments from Hiddink about the effort:

"

Hiddink, "it was exciting, because we had to win. At the end of the season it is difficult, but I have to compliment the players."

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) June 12, 2015"

The players now get a break before heading back into club action. The big question when the Netherlands get back together for the September qualifying fixtures is how Hiddink will handle the lineup after the struggles of Van Persie and the success of Wijnaldum.

It's hard to imagine a player with Van Persie's track record will be cast aside quickly but earning points is crucial after a lackluster start to the qualifiers. Perhaps the pressure will cause the head coach to change things up a bit next time out.

For now, the Oranje can celebrate three much-needed points.