A 3-1 win over France has seen Netherlands U-17’s qualify for the European Championships in Malta this May.
- By Michael Bell
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Wins over Sweden and Austria in the past week for both nations had seen France top of the Elite group as they had a better goal difference over Netherlands. Going into the game, Dutch coach Maarten Stekelenburg’s side knew they had to win or they would be eliminated from the competition.
Netherlands line up: Van Osch, Ter Avest, Veendorp, Verdonk, Verloo, Van de Beek, Bergwijn, Van der Moot, Slabbekoorn, Berenstein, Schuurman
After a goalless first half Netherlands took control early in the second period, with Donny van de Beek opening the scoring two minutes after the break. Three minutes later it was 2-0 for the Dutch with PSV youngster Steven Bergwijn netting.
France pulled a goal back with twenty minutes left through Marcus Thuram, but Bergwijn quickly restored Netherlands two goal lead, and despite Hidde ter Avest being shown red with two minutes left, the Dutch held on for the 3-1 win.
Netherlands have won the European Championships twice before in 2011, and 2012, with Stekelenburg hoping his side can reclaim their trophy when the tournament gets underway in Malta on the 7th of May.