Netherlands U19’s drew 2-2 with Slovenia on Tuesday to seal top spot in their European Championship first round qualifying group.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
After simple wins over Malta and Hungary, Netherlands knew a win would send them into the Elite round of qualifying as a group winner and definitely in pot one for when the draw is made. However, coach Maarten Stekelenburg decided to make a number of changes with Ferdi Kadiuglu, Joel Piro, Kik Pierie and Deroy Duarte dropping to the bench.
Slovenia, who needed a win to seal their progress to the next round started well and eventually took the lead on 21 minutes through David Zek.
Netherlands struggled to respond and Stekelenburg was forced to ring the changes in the second half. Kadioglu was one of the players brought on and he netted an equaliser with nine minutes left.
With three minutes to go, Navajo Bakboord conceded a penalty, which Zan Celar netted to restore Slovenia’s lead. It seemed, Netherlands were heading for a loss but in injury time, Donyell Malen netted from Kadioglu’s cross to get a point which seals Oranje as group winners.
Netherlands must now wait to see if there seven points will be enough to make them a top seed for when the elite round draw is made.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
