Netherlands welcomed Czech Republic to Amsterdam for their final Euro 2016 qualifier on Wednesday needing to win and hope for a favour from Iceland to snatch third position in Group A from Turkey.
It was quite simple for Netherlands – they needed to record all three points and hope that Turkey lost at home to Iceland in order to secure a playoff position for next summer's tournament in France.
It was the visitors that opened the scoring after 24 minutes, however, with 23-year-old full-back Pavel Kaderabek finding a route past Jeroen Zoet after breaking into the Dutch penalty area and it got worse for Danny Blind's side in the 35th minute when Josef Sural converted from close range for 2-0.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 43rd minute when Marek Suchy was given his marching orders for a last-man challenge on Memphis Depay. Czech Republic made sure of all the points in the 66th minute, however, when Robin van Persie headed past his own goalkeeper.
Netherlands had one back in the 70th minute through Klaas Jan Huntelaar, before Van Persie scored at the right end 13 minutes later, but the visitors held on to record all three points.
It is the first time that Netherlands have not made it to the finals of a European Championship since 1984.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 qualification coverage continues from Amsterdam as Netherlands welcome Czech Republic in Group A. The Czechs have already qualified for next summer's tournament in France, but Netherlands need to win tonight and hope that Turkey lose at home to Iceland in order to snatch third and a playoff position. It is simply a massive game for Dutch football.
First and foremost, let me bring you the all-important team news...
TEAMS:
NED: Zoet; Tete, Bruma, Van Dijk, Riedewald; Wijnaldum, Blind, Sneijder; Memphis, Huntelaar, El Ghazi
CZECH: Cech; Kaderabek, Suchy, Kadlec, Gebre Selassie; Darida, Plasil, Pavelka; Skalak, Necid, Sural
So there we have it. Netherlands boss Danny Blind has made just one change to the team that started against Kazakhstan and that is an enforced one as Jeroen Zoet replaces the injured Tim Krul between the sticks. As a result, the unsettled Robin van Persie remains on the bench, with 20-year-old Anwar El Ghazi and Memphis Depay joining Klaas Jan Huntelaar in the final third of the field.
As for Czech Republic, the familiar face of Petr Cech will skipper the visitors this evening. Tomas Necid, who has scored eight times in 31 caps for his country, will lead the line, meanwhile, with support from Jiri Skalak and Josef Sural. The experienced Michal Kadlec is joined at the heart of the defence by Marek Suchy, meaning that Chelsea's Tomas Kalas is only among the substitutes.
So there we have it. The teams are in and we are now around 20 minutes from kickoff in Amsterdam. There is just no downplaying the importance of this match for the hosts. Only three points for Netherlands will give them a chance of snatching third position, but they also need a favour from current group leaders Iceland, who will host third-place Turkey this evening.
Netherlands are also behind Turkey on the head-to-head record, but victory here and a Turkey defeat would secure third. Czech Republic have already qualified for next summer's event, but they can still finish top of the group. As it stands, the Czechs are one point behind group leaders Iceland.
In terms of the previous meetings between the two teams, Netherlands have won three, drawn three and lost four of their 10 fixtures against Czech Republic as an independent nation. The last time that the pair met was in the reverse group match last September when Czech Republic won 2-1.
Netherlands lost their last home qualifier to Iceland, but prior to that, were unbeaten in 37 competitive home matches, which is a run that stretched back to October 2000. To be blunt, it has been a terrible campaign. Danny Blind's team have only collected 13 points from their nine matches, but a 2-1 win in Kazakhstan last time out has at least kept Turkey honest in their last match.
Netherlands' Group A campaign started with a 2-1 defeat to Czech Republic and although they put together a run of seven points from three games in the middle of their campaign, back-to-back defeats against Iceland and Turkey has put them in this position. It seems incredible that a team with this amount of quality is struggling to qualify for a major international tournament.
Indeed, if Netherlands do not get the outcome that they want, it will be the first time since 1984 that they have not qualified for the finals of a European Championship. They won the competition in 1988 and have also since made three semi-finals, but did go out in the group stages in 2012.
As for Czech Republic, they have qualified for the European Championships for the sixth time in succession. They finished as runners-up in 1996 and also made the semi-finals in 2002. Last time out, they reached the quarter-finals, which is an indication of their credentials at this level of football.
Netherlands did not get a favour from Czech Republic on Saturday, however, as they were beaten at home by Turkey. The Czechs have only lost two of their nine games in this group, however, after starting with four straight victories. What's more, Pavel Vrba's side have won five of their last six away qualifiers – the exception being a 2-1 defeat in Iceland. Right, just about time for my prediction!
PREDICTION! Netherlands have to win tonight and I think that they will. Trouble is, I just cannot see Turkey losing at home to Iceland. I expect the Turks to claim at least a point in their match, which would make this game redundant. That said, I am predicting a 2-1 home win here.
KICKOFF! Here we go then - the national anthems have been sung and the pre-match handshakes have been completed. As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. These supporters are expecting a performance tonight. It is the hosts that get the first period underway here...
... CHANCE! The hosts have a chance inside 60 seconds as Huntelaar sets up El Ghazi in a wide area, but the 20-year-old's low strike is saved by Cech. Almost the perfect start from the Dutch!
How did it come to this for the Netherlands? I am not sure that they even know. Just a reminder that I will also keep you up-to-speed with that is happening in Turkey. As expected, the hosts have taken control of the possession in the opening moments, with Sneijder seeing plenty of the ball.
The Dutch come roaring forward once again and it is Depay that delivers two crosses into the Czech box in quick succession - the second of which is only just headed clear by Kadlec. The resulting corner is met by Van Dijk, but his effort was always straight into the arms of Cech.
Another breakaway for the home team leads to Depay cutting inside before trying his luck, but the attacker's effort was always missing the target. The Czech Republic have not been allowed to settle.
Possession football from Netherlands as they continue to move the ball in the final third, but Czech Republic appear to have a good balance in a defensive area. Gebre Selassie attempts to get something going for the visitors when he aims a long ball towards Darida and the midfielder wins a free kick.
A quick free kick from the visitors leads to Plasil trying his luck from distance, but it hits two Dutch bodies before the danger is cleared. A Czech Republic opener would be just disastrous here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as El Ghazi drives down the left before picking out Sneijder inside the box, but his wild effort flies over the crossbar!
Half-chance for Czech Republic as a loose clearance from Van Dijk falls to Darida, but his effort was always wide of the post. It was initially excellent defending from the Dutch centre-back, but a poor pass almost cost the hosts a goal. Still goalless, but plenty happening at the moment in Amsterdam.
Czech Republic have settled into the game in the last couple of minutes and that is mainly down to some sloppy passing from the hosts. Another half-chance arrives for the visitors when Skalak picks out Plasil inside the box, but his effort is straight at Zoet. Some more suspect Dutch defending there!
You can already sense the frustration inside the stadium, which is not ideal at this early stage. There are still no goals in Turkey, but Netherlands are not doing their own job at the moment.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Depay finds space in a wide area before delivering a super cross towards Wijnaldum, but Kadlec makes first contact inside the box. A wicked corner is then delivered towards the far post, but Cech punches clear. Good pressure from Netherlands here.
Still no bookings in this game, but we must be getting pretty close as the foul count continues to rise. In fairness, the referee has looked to let this game flow in the right moments this evening.
BOOKING! Huntelaar (Netherlands). And there is the first booking of the game just as I say there has not been one. It is perhaps a little harsh, but Huntelaar did put his knee into the back of Darida.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to take the lead as a terrible mistake from Zoet sees Gebre Selassie presented with an open goal, but the Czech defender fires over the crossbar!
Even if Netherlands managed to sneak third tonight, I am not sure I would fancy them in the playoffs. Of course it depends on the draw, but there are so many cracks in this Dutch team. The hosts continue to commit players forward, but Czech Republic are giving as good as they are getting.
GOAL! Netherlands 0-1 Czech Republic (Kaderabek)
Disaster for the Dutch! Czech Republic take the lead in the 24th minute as Skalak plays a super pass into Kaderabek, who advances into the Dutch box before finding the corner of the net.
That goal sums up the type of campaign it has been for the Netherlands - too many mistakes. Danny Blind is on his feet, but the home team are wobbling as the Czechs continue to threaten.
The atmosphere inside the stadium has turned and the crowd seem to be going after their own players now, which is not good to hear or indeed see. You sense that Netherlands simply must score the next goal this evening, but another tame corner from Sneijder is easily claimed by Cech.
It is worth mentioning that as it stands, Czech Republic would actually finish top of Group A. They have already qualified for next summer's tournament in France, but are currently leading the group ahead of Iceland, who are still goalless with Turkey. Back in Amsterdam, the hosts need a spark.
BOOKING! Blind (Netherlands) is booked for dissent.
Robin van Persie has been sent to warm-up and the forward receives a strong ovation from the crowd. The experienced attacker is not a happy bunny at the moment, but could still have a say in tonight's match. The opening 33 minutes of this contest have just flown past. Still 1-0 Czechs here.
Netherlands need a little bit more from the likes of Depay and Sneijder at the moment, while Huntelaar is struggling to make his mark in the final third. In fairness to El Ghazi, he has probably been the Dutch's best player in this first period. Can the hosts find a response before the interval?
GOAL! Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic (Sural)
And that could well be that for this game and Netherlands' Euro 2016 qualification hopes. The visitors score a second as Sural dummies Van Dijk inside the penalty box before rolling his effort into the bottom corner. It is simply awful defending from the home side. So easy for Sural to score!
Van Persie is preparing to come on for the home team here...
... NETHERLANDS SUB! Riedewald is off for Van Persie here.
Van Persie is almost immediately involved for the home team as Depay flashes a cross towards the experienced forward, but he cannot make contact and Czech Republic manage to survive.
BOOKING! Skalak (Czech Republic) is booked for a late challenge on Depay.
Half-chance for Netherlands to cut the deficit to 2-1 as Sneijder delivers a dangerous free kick towards Van Dijk, but the centre-back cannot make contact and Cech restarts with a goal kick.
RED CARD! SUCHY! Czech Republic are down to 10 men as Suchy is given his marching orders for bringing Depay, who was through on goal, to the ground with a rash challenge. Turning point?!
Van Persie takes the resulting free kick, but his first effort is into the wall, before his second is deflected wide of the post. Netherlands are firmly on the front foot at the moment here.
The fourth official indicates that we will play one additional minute. El Ghazi finds himself unmarked inside the Czech box following a super Sneijder ball, but he was ruled offside.
HALF-TIME: Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Czech Republic leading 2-0 in Netherlands. The visitors opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Kaderabek, before Sural doubled their lead in the 35th minute. Netherlands have been given some hope, however, with Suchy handed his marching orders in the 43rd minute for a last-man challenge on Memphis.
STATISTICS! The home side have had more of the possession with 59%, but have only hit the target with one of their five attempts. As for Czech Republic, they have managed three attempts on target and two of those found the back of the net. As expected, it has been a fiery game in terms of challenges and the referee has gone to his pocket on three separate occasions in Amsterdam.
BENCH WATCH! After falling 2-0 down, Dutch boss Danny Blind made a quick-fire change, with Van Persie on for defender Riedewald. However, the hosts still have options in the shape of Afellay, Dost, Elia and Lens. As for Czech Republic, they have the likes of Novak and M.Skoda in reserve.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. It is all or nothing for Netherlands in this second period. The Czechs restart proceedings here...
... CZECH REPUBLIC SUB! No real surprise that the away side have decided to make a change following that red card and it is Prochazka that replaces the centre-forward Necid.
You sense that an early Dutch goal in this half would raise the whole stadium, but they still need a favour from Iceland tonight. For me, too much needs to go their way and it rarely all comes together. The visitors have started this period pretty well as they force two corners in quick succession.
Almost an opportunity for Netherlands as Van Persie finds space outside the Czech box before fizzing a pass into Sneijder, but the captain just cannot collect and Cech is out to clear. The visitors seem to have a problem, meanwhile, as Pavelka stays on the ground following a heavy challenge.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to cut the deficit to 2-1 as Van Persie feeds Memphis in a wide area, but the Manchester United attacker's effort was always moving wide of the post.
How good was this team by the way...
Czech Republic threaten twice in quick succession as Sural has a long-range strike deflected over the crossbar, before a near-post corner from Plasil causes concern inside the Netherlands box.
Little over 30 minutes of this Euro 2016 qualifier remaining and it is all going very wrong for Netherlands. Turkey are still getting the point they need against Iceland and only a big turnaround in the latter stages of both games will see Danny Blind's side snatch third position in Group A.
Czech Republic might have 10 men, but they are not playing like it as they continue to match Netherlands all over the park. Danny Blind still has some attacking options on his bench, but both Memphis and El Ghazi are dangerous in possession of the ball. The hosts need some inspiration.
Only a brilliant last-ditch challenge from Wijnaldum prevents Darida from having a clear shot on goal inside the Netherlands box. Not sure about some of the defending from the hosts tonight.
Memphis combines with his Manchester United teammate Blind as the Dutch attack down the left once again, but Kadlec is across to make the challenge and Czech Republic remain 2-0 ahead.
NETHERLANDS SUB! Another striker on the field as Dost replaces Van Dijk.
Little under 25 minutes of the second half remaining and in truth, not too much is happening in terms of clear opportunities. Netherlands are pressing numbers forward, but it is difficult to say that the away side are struggling to maintain their two-goal lead. Czechs are in control in Amsterdam.
GOAL! Netherlands 0-3 Czech Republic (Van Persie OG)
Would you believe it? Netherlands are 3-0 down and it is Van Persie that has sent the ball into his own net. It was a super delivery from Skalak and Van Persie got it all wrong as he nodded the ball into the bottom corner. I think that he was trying to send it back into his goalkeeper's arms!
Sometimes you can lose football matches, but you have to lose the right way. You have to go down fighting and I am not sure that I have seen that from Netherlands tonight. Sure they have pressed in this second period, but it has been very comfortable for Czech Republic, who are down to 10 men.
NETHERLANDS SUB! Lens replaces El Ghazi in the home side's final change.
GOAL! Netherlands 1-3 Czech Republic (Huntelaar)
The home side have one goal back as Huntelaar rises highest inside the Czech box before heading a Sneijder corner past Cech. That is his 42nd goal for Netherlands, but it won't mean much here.
CZECH REPUBLIC SUB! Kalas replaces Sural for the visitors.
Cech stoops down to claim a low strike from Huntelaar as the hosts break forward.
CHANCE! The ball falls to Van Persie, on his left foot, inside the Czech box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Dost's presence has given the Dutch a different threat in this game.
Little under 15 minutes of football remaining and Netherlands need three goals, and for Iceland to score in Turkey in order to grab third position in Group A. Not too much to ask then!
Very much long-ball tactics from Netherlands at the moment as they continue to aim for the head of Dost, who in fairness, has made an impression for the hosts. Lens finds space down the right, but Gebre Selassie is across to make the challenge. One goal now would make things interesting.
Not an awful lot to shout about at the moment as Czech Republic continue to deal with the long ball from Netherlands, who have been short of ideas tonight. Memphis attempts to deliver another cross towards the head of Lens, but a white shirt makes first contact and the danger is cleared.
Skalak has had a super game for the away side tonight and more good work from the number 10 gains Czech Republic a corner. Time is not on Netherlands' side in Amsterdam tonight.
GOAL! Netherlands 2-3 Czech Republic (Van Persie)
Three-two! Netherlands have their second of the match as Van Persie meets a flick from Dost before poking the ball past Cech from inside the box. They couldn't, could they? Stay tuned!
BOOKING! Van Persie (Netherlands) is booked for diving inside the box!
CZECH REPUBLIC SUB! Plasil is replaced by M.Skoda.
CHANCE! Kalas comes close to scoring a fourth for the away side after meeting a super cross from the left, but his strike is just wide of the post. It is almost like a basketball game at the moment!
BOOKING! Sneijder (Netherlands) is booked for a poor challenge on Kalas.
GOAL UPDATE! Turkey have taken the lead against Iceland. That means it is over for Netherlands - as if it wasn't already - and it also means that Czech Republic are heading for top of the group.
The fourth official indicates that we will play three additional minutes.
BOOKING! Gebre Selassie (Czech Republic) is booked for a late challenge on Lens.
Netherlands continue to deliver the ball long and it brings another chance as Memphis heads towards goal moments after Van Persie had hit the deck, but the danger is cleared.
FULL-TIME: Netherlands 2-3 Czech Republic
So there we have it. Danny Blind heads straight down the tunnel and it is over for Netherlands - they will not be at Euro 2016 after finishing fourth in Group A. It has been a disastrous campaign for the Dutch, but the victory for Czech Republic means that they have finished top of this group ahead of Iceland, which is a great achievement. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
