Netherlands vs. Czech Republic: Score and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier
The Czech Republic beat the Netherlands 3-2 in Amsterdam to eliminate the Dutch from Euro 2016, as the side that reached the semi-final of the World Cup in Brazil crashed out.
Goals from Pavel Kaderabek, Josef Sural and an own goal from substitute Robin van Persie gave the visitors the points to qualify as group winners despite two late efforts from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and RvP.
The Dutch made one change from their 2-1 win against Kazakhstan as PSV Eindhoven reserve Jeroen Zoet replaced goalkeeper Tim Krul. The visitors selected Theodor Gebre Selassie at left-back for the tie, with Jaroslav Plasil making up a five-man midfield.
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Dutch football writer Elko Born was clear about what the Netherlands should do if they lost the match:
The Oranje came out fast at the start of the match, playing with pace and guile as they tried to take the lead. Anwar El Ghazi went close for Holland as they drove forward, but the Czech defence held firm as Petr Cech's goal was threatened.
However, as has the case in recent months, it was the Dutch who gave away the lead as Czech manager Pavel Vrba's team grabbed a goal against the run of play.
A swift move through the heart of the Dutch midfield saw the ball break to Kaderabek, and the right-back beat Zoet at the near post to punish the hosts after 24 minutes.
Born was in a bad place as his homeland conceded:
It was 2-0 to the Czech Republic just 11 minutes later, as the Netherlands once again showed no bravery or commitment in defence. Sural latched onto a Tomas Necid flick, and the player was allowed to waltz through the penalty area, poking his shot past the hapless Zoet.
Opta highlighted two statistics that would not please any Dutch fan:
ESPN FC's Iain Macintosh described the mental state of the Dutch as their world came crashing down around them:
The second goal saw Holland coach Danny Blind respond, bringing on veteran striker Robin van Persie, and the Dutch immediately saw their luck change.
Czech central defender Marek Suchy saw red for a dangerous tackle on Memphis Depay on the stroke of half time, giving Blind's team a modicum of hope for the second half.
The Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst tipped his hat towards the previous Dutch regime, as the hosts faced elimination from Euro 2016 at the qualification stage:
Holland started the second half positively but always looked short of motivation and quality. The visitors looked to sit and hit on the break, offering considerable threat when moving into the final third.
Memphis looked like the Netherland's most likely, with RvP giving the winger a striking target, but the Dutch were unable to lift their game as the crowd became progressively quieter.
The hosts appeared dead and buried just after the hour mark as Van Persie inexplicably headed in an own goal from a Czech Republic set piece to make it 3-0.
Football journalist Lars Hendel called the action as Holland's senior statesman conceded the third:
Football novelist Simon Kuper spoke about the sad end to Van Persie's international career:
There was some joy for the Netherlands four minutes later as they grabbed a consolation through Huntelaar. The Schalke player rose first from a Wesley Sneijder corner, heading the ball with clinical precision to take some of the sting out of the result.
And there were cheers as Holland scored a surprise second, as RvP atoned for his early own goal. Confusion in the Czech area allowed the striker to ghost through the middle, and he expertly flicked the ball past Cech.
The crowd came alive in the final minutes as they willed their team to earn an equaliser, but it was not to be, as a miserable qualification for the Dutch came to a disappointing end.
With a team of young guns and fading stars, the Dutch are miles away from being the team they once were. Louis van Gaal performed miracles to take this side to the semi-final of the World Cup in Brazil, and the team has now been found out.
Post-Match Reaction
Dutch boss Danny Blind was defiant after his team exited at the qualifying stage, saying to NOS (h/t Soccerway.com) he wishes to remain in his role:
"I want to continue as coach. I was in my right mind when I said yes to the offer from the KNVB [Dutch Football Association]. First, as assistant [coach] to [Guus] Hiddink and then I'd take over. You have to stay realistic. I do not think you have to make a change because there are a lot of young players. We need to analyse what is going on. There are better players that are not available now. Also, we need to check whether we need to adjust something in terms of formation and style of play.
"
The Netherlands end their campaign in fourth spot on 13 points in Group A, five points behind Turkey, who qualify as the best third-placed team.
