Netherlands failed to qualify for Euro 2016 after losing 3-2 to Czech Republic last night at the Amsterdam ArenA, capping a disastrous qualifying campaign.
The last time the Oranje failed to qualify for a major tournament was 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Prior to that 1982 World Cup in Spain, Euro 1984 in France and 1986 World Cup in Mexico were all tournaments the Dutch failed to participate in, proving what a powerhouse they have become in the world of football over the last 30 years.
All hopes of making it to France next year came down crashing after Robin van Persie scored an own goal in the 66th to put Czech 3 goals up despite the away team reduced to 10 men just before the break, when Marek Suchý received marching orders from referee following his challenge on Memphis Depay.
Captain of the Netherlands, Wesley Sneijder. © BBC Sport/EPA
Netherlands mounted a comeback with goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Van Persie but the match would end at 3-2 with Turkey claiming the third place finish in the group A with 18 points. Those 18 points were enough for Turkey to qualify automatically as the highest ranked third-placed team out of all nine qualifying groups.
The Turkish national team celebrating after qualifying for Euro 2016. © BBC Sport/Reuters
Netherlands coach Danny Blind, however, plans to remain in charge of the team despite losing three of his last four matches and has said he has “no intention” of stepping down.
“I’m going to carry on with my work because I’m under contract until 2018 and I believe in this team,” Blind added.
“I haven’t achieved my goal. The aim was to qualify automatically or via the play-offs and I haven’t done that.
“Am I the one to blame? I now have to analyse that. The results weren’t good..”
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