The Netherlands got the win they needed, but didn't get the big win they wanted. With Sweden beating Belarus 4-0 in Borisov through goals by Emil Forsberg, Christoffer Nyman, Marcus Berg and Andreas Granqvist their aim to finish second in the group remained difficult. Sweden now are on 16 points out of 8 matches, France are on 16 from 7, the Netherlands on 13 from 8 and Bulgaria on 12 from 8.

If France, which hosts Luxembourg later on Sunday night, claims the group victory and Sweden wins their next home match against Luxembourg and the Dutch beat Belarus the battle for the second place will be decided in the final encounter on October 10 in Amsterdam between the Netherlands and Sweden. The Dutch need a win to have a chance and also have to pass the Swedes on goal difference.

The goal difference of Sweden (+11) is at the moment far better than that of the Dutch (+5). And the eventual number two also has to be among the best runners-up. The nine winners of each European group will qualify for the World Cup in Russia, while the eight best runners-up will advance to the play-offs. So the Dutch are still in contention for a World Cup spot, but their position to get that spot did not get bigger.

【体坛英语资讯：Netherlands grabs last straw in World Cup qualifying】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：German Football Federation wish to extend contract with Low

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao out for season with left foot injury

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Victorias Secret starts swimwear collection selling

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lily Allen to strip for lingerie line

★ 体坛英语资讯：Pain-free Yao back on track for Games

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt expecting twins

★ 体坛英语资讯：Switzerland beat Hungary 3-2 in World Cup qualifier

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan mug shot launches drunk driving ad

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Angelina Jolie voted worlds No.1 yummiest mummies

★ 体坛英语资讯：Seeded players raise US Open heat