Netherlands U17’s began their elite round of qualifying for the 2015 European Championships with a 2-0 victory over Georgia.
- By Michael Bell
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Maarten Stekelenburg’s side dominated from the first minute at the complex of RKSV Schijndel and they were deservedly ahead after only ten minutes when Feyenoord forward Nigel Robertha capitalised on an error at the back before racing in on goal and finishing calmly.
Manchester City winger Javairo Dilrosun nearly doubled the lead minutes later, but after an excellent run past three defenders, he could only fire just wide of the post. Georgia only created one real chance in the first half, with Giorgi Arabidze’s free kick having to be tipped away by goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
Netherlands continued to dominate in the second half and finally sealed the win when Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah fired in a rebound after the Georgian keeper could only parry Robertha’s header.
The eight group winners and seven best placed runners up head to the European championships this summer, and Netherlands currently sit second after one game, as Belgium hammered Northern Ireland 4-0 in the other match. Netherlands face Northern Ireland on Saturday, and a win will all but see the Dutch into the final tournament next May.
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