By CAITLIN MURRAY
Another Euro qualifier, another shocking Dutch loss.
On the road in Reykjavik, the Netherlands were hit again with the cold, harsh reality that things don’t seem to be working out so well under new manager Guus Hiddink. The third-place finishers of this summer’s World Cup were trounced Monday by Iceland in Euro 2016 qualifying, 2-0.
Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson scored both of Iceland’s goals, handing Hiddink his third loss in four matches since taking over as Dutch manager after the World Cup. For Iceland, it was a historic win — their first against the Netherlands in 11 meetings.
Sigurdsson scored his brace by the half, with his first in the 10th minute on a penalty kick. He added the extra in the 42nd minute, volleying a ball miscleared by the Dutch defense.
Though the Dutch had their spells of possession, they certainly looked to be a shadow of the team the advanced into the deep stages of this summer’s World Cup.
With the win, Iceland sits atop Group A after going a perfect three-for-three in Euro 2016 qualifying so far.
Here are the rest of the results from Euro 2016 qualifying on Monday:
CROATIA CRUSHES AZERBAIJAN WITH LOPSIDED RESULT
If the announcement holds true and the U.S. Men’s National Team meets Croatia next month, they should be facing a team in good form.
Croatia destroyed Azerbaijan in Osijek on Monday, 6-0, and moved to the top of Group H after on goal differential after winning three in three games. The Croatians scored four by the half in what was a one-sided match for the full 90 minutes.
Monday’s result sets up an interesting clash when Croatia goes to Milan next month to face Italy, a team that has also won three-for-three in Group H.
ALL RESULTS MONDAY
Kazakhstan 2 – 4 Czech Republic
Iceland 2 – 0 Netherlands
Latvia 1 – 1 Turkey
Andorra 1 – 4 Israel
Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 – 1 Belgium
Wales 2 – 1 Cyprus
Croatia 6 – 0 Azerbaijan
Malta 0 – 1 Italy
Norway 2 – 1 Bulgaria
—–
What do you think of these results? What do you make of the Netherlands’ struggles so far under Hiddink? What do you make of Croatia’s impressive showing against Azerbaijan?
Share your thoughts below.
The big teams are not taking the qualies seriously because basically everybody qualifies.
Ask Holland, Germany or Spain whether they care or not after the recent results.
Ask Iceland, Poland, Albania and Ireland whether they care.
These Euro qualifiers, due to the open format, are the most exciting in recent memory!
Croats are looking very dangerous, and could take first place in that group over Italia.
Well done, Iceland, coach Lagerback knows how to overachieve, before with Sweden, now with Iceland.
Turkey continues to struggle, which is surprising considering the domestic league is among the better leagues in Europe.
Bosnia should have won v. Belgium…
Norway and Bulgaria both played an awful game, with one side being a bit less awful than the other…Norway, that is…and they introduced in the game a 15 year old kid who did well for the 20 minutes or so he played.
Czech Republic continues its domination of their group.
Looking forward to Germany-Ireland today.
Imagine if Iceland still had AJ. They’re the biggest little country in Europe.
Interestingly, I’m not sure AJ would start for Iceland. For a small country of 320,000, Iceland has an incredibly strong group of strikers.
Wow, i didnt realize their population was that small, that’s quite impressive – might be the best per capita player production in the world!
Well, he wouldn’t start over Gylfi Sigurdsson. I think al the other strikers are Eredivisie guys like AJ. It would prolly just come down to whoever works best with Gylfi.
Playing Croatia in November at Craven Cottage will be a fantastic test for the USMNT