Netherlands fall from grace has been brutal, but the best team to never win the World Cup look set to reach a new low by failing to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia. With only one qualifier remaining, Oranje are staring at an embarrassing elimination.
Dick Advocaat’s side are in third, three points behind second-placed Sweden, whom they face on the final day. The Scandinavian nation boast a +19 goal difference, meaning Netherlands (+7) must win 7-0 on Tuesday to earn a playoff spot.
With a tough task facing the once great footballing nation, their captain Arjen Robben has already written off their chances. The Bayern Munich ace, who may never feature in a World Cup again, dared not to flirt with optimism when speaking to ONS.
"This hurts. It is unfortunately part of the sport,” said the 33-year-old, as per Goal.
"After Sweden's result you can't do anything else other than play with your chest out, but an 8-0 win in Belarus [was not going to] happen. And a 7-0 win at home to Sweden isn't going to happen.”
Robben spared Netherlands blushes by helping them to a 3-1 win over Belarus. An 84th minute penalty from the deadly winger helped his side win.
Unfortunately for them, Sweden beat Luxembourg earlier that day. Although all hope is not yet lost, Netherlands need a miracle to make it to Russia.
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