JORIS Mathijsen and Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored either side of the break to give Netherlands a 2-0 home victory over Iceland in their World Cup Group 9 qualifier in Eindhoven last night.
The injury-depleted Dutch, missing four regulars, made a fine start when a cleared corner was brought in again by Rafael van der Vaart to set up Mathijsen to open the scoring at the near post after 15 minutes.
Despite several good chances, the h
ome side had to wait until 20 minutes into the second half before sealing the victory when Huntelaar netted after a defence-splitting combination with Van der Vaart.
The one downside for the Dutch was the injury to Nigel de Jong, who was hurt in a block tackle in midfield.
"That was a blow and it seems like a serious knee injury that will keep him sidelined for weeks," coach Bert van Marwijk said. "But despite that we made a solid start, playing good and fast football against fresh opponents who hardly gave away any space."
Dutch winger Ryan Babel was denied by keeper Gunnleifur Gunnleifsson but Huntelaar finally made it 2-0 after more good work by Van der Vaart in the 65th minute.
The Dutch have six points from two matches, two ahead of second-placed Scotland who have played three games. Iceland are bottom on one point. Netherlands visit Norway, who have two points from two matches, on Wednesday.
Scotland's next game is a daunting trip to the Netherlands on March 28 next year. The match is likely to take place in the Amsterdam Arena with an evening kick-off. Scotland's last visit to the stadium saw them suffer a 6-0 reverse in the Euro 2004 play-off second leg.
The full article contains 307 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
