Netherlands have qualified for the World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Norway in De Kuip.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
Louis van Gaal made three changes to the side that drew with Montenegro on Saturday with Jasper Cillessen, Matthijs de Ligt, and Steven Bergwijn coming into the line-up. Justin Bijlow and Stefan de Vrij are injured, while Donyell Malen dropped to the bench.
Van Gaal watched on from the stand as Netherlands controlled possession and patiently looked for the openings in the Norway defence. Memphis Depay got two close range chances but both efforts were weak and easy for the Norway goalkeeper. Arnaut Danjuma also went close but his strike flew just wide of the goal.
Norway made a double change at the break and they pushed forward more to put the Oranje defence under pressure. Kristian Thorstvedt got a chance from a tight angle but fired wide.
Netherlands came under pressure at times but they also had chances themselves with Memphis unable to finish from close range. In the 84th minute, Netherlands got the opening goal with Bergwijn hammering the ball into the top corner after a good move.
Norway pushed and in the 91st minute, Netherlands sealed the victory with Bergwijn going through on goal before setting up Memphis to slot in the second.
It was nervy at times but Netherlands have qualified for the World Cup and take their place in Qatar next year.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
Happy to see them pull through, they deserve to go, and wish the best for a full speedy recovery for Van Gaal also.
Hope Danny can catch up with a good form and join the squad next year.
Donny van de Beek
Credit where it’s due. Unlike Saturday, and at other times during qualifying and at the Euro, when the opponent turned up their intensity level, Oranje held their nerve. They responded well to Norway’s changes in the 2nd half, gave them no real opportunity and took advantage of theirs when they inevitably came.
Should have been done before tonight, but bottom line, Oranje back at the WK is the job done!
Bergwijn, what a fantastic player! Its in games like this where you see who really deserves that shirt, and there’s no doubt bergwijn should be in the starting 11, the best attacking player for Holland
Congratulations to the Dutch footballers and fans.