Netherlands got their Euro 2016 Group A qualifying campaign back on track as they thrashed Latvia 6-0 in Amsterdam on Sunday. Dutch manager ...
Netherlands got their Euro 2016 Group A qualifying campaign back on track as they thrashed Latvia 6-0 in Amsterdam on Sunday.
Dutch manager Guus Hiddink had threatened to walk away if the Oranje were been beaten again, having seen his side defeated in both away games so far against the Czech Republic and Iceland.
However, any suggestions of another shock result were dispelled as captain Robin van Persie put the home side ahead after just six minutes with his 48th international goal.
Rampant Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben cracked home a second and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted a third from close range just before half-time.
Jeffrey Bruma scored his first senior international goal after a corner with 12 minutes left. There was still time for Robben to lash in another from the edge of the Latvia box to cap a fine individual display, with Huntelaar adding a late sixth with a crisp turn and low finish.
The victory came at a cost, however, with Manchester United's defensive midfielder Daley Blind limping off in the first half. The Dutch are now third in Group A with six points from four matches, three behind Czech Republic and Iceland, who meet in Plzen later on Sunday.
Wales took a vital step towards the finals of Euro 2016 as they held Group B favourites Belgium to a 0-0 draw in Brussels.
Chris Coleman’s side stayed top of the qualifying group ahead of Israel's clash with Bosnia as they stifled the threat of Eden Hazard and co with a spirited performance.
They could even have come away with all three points with Gareth Bale a constant menace on the counter-attack but Coleman will be thrilled to return home with a draw as they absorbed mounting pressure from the Belgians late on.
