Netherlands U21’s are three points clear at the top of their 2017 European Championships qualifying group after a 1-0 win over Belarus U21’s.

janssen u21After the defeat to Slovakia last month, Netherlands needed to beat Belarus to remain favourite to win the group, and Fred Grim’s side took the lead after 25 minutes in Tilburg. A flick from Ricardo Kishna met the onrushing Vincent Janssen, who took a touch before rifling the ball into the roof of the net.

Belarus posed a few problems for the Dutch defence but it was the Oranje who created the best chances with Sven van Beek hitting the underside of the bar before the break.

A crazy last phase of the game saw Queensy Menig once again hit the woodwork for Netherlands before Mickey van der Haart made an excellent save to deny Belarus an unlikely draw.

Netherlands now move top of the group, three points ahead of Slovakia, Turkey and Belarus. Grim’s side now travel to Slovakia for a key tie on Tuesday. A win would all but book the U21’s place in the finals.




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