The Netherlands almost achieved it after drawing 1-1 (0-0) in Poland. Bonds coach Ronald Koeman’s team, as leaders of Group C, are still three points ahead of Robert Lewandowski and friends and still need a point in their home match against Lithuania on Monday, while chasers Poland will visit Malta at the same time.
It started out as a tough game in Warsaw. The Netherlands held on for a draw to take a three-point lead into the final matchday. But the plan failed: Just before the break, Cologne’s Jakub Kaminski (43′) scored to make it 1-0 after an assist from Lewandowski. Memphis Depay (47) managed to respond quickly after the break.
The line-up:
Poland: Grabara – Ziolkowski, Kedziora, Kiwior – Cash (81st Wszolek), S. Szymanski (13th Kapustka), Zielinski, Skoras, Kaminski (90+2 Rozga), Zalewski (82nd Grosicki) – Lewandowski (90+2 Buksa)
Coach: Jan Urban
Dutch: Verbruggen – Geertruida (74th van Hecke), J. Timber, van Dijk, van de Ven – Gravenberch (89th Schouten), F. de Jong, Malen, Kluivert (74th Reijnders), Gakpo – Depay (89th Emegha)
Coach: Ronald Koeman
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
