Share

Hiddink relieved as Dutch win

Riga - Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink was a relieved man after his team won their Euro 2016 qualifier in Latvia 2-0 on Friday to retain hope of an automatic berth at next year's finals.

"Of course, I'm relieved, we had to win here. After a positive World Cup last year, this side has had setbacks. But now new, younger players are profiling themselves and the older payers are still doing what they should be doing," Hiddink told reporters, referring to the role Wesley Sneijder played in setting up the opening goal and twice hitting the woodwork.

"We are in a rebuilding phase but according to me it's going in the right direction. I want to compliment the team. Not only for the performance in the match but also in training where they gave everything."

Two second-half goals, which followed quickly after the substitution of captain Robin van Persie, kept the Dutch third in Group A, five points behind leaders Iceland and three adrift of the Czech Republic, who lost 1-0 in Reykjavik.

With four qualifiers left, and home games to come against Iceland and the Czechs, the Dutch can still qualify automatically despite losing to both teams at the start of the campaign and dropping home points against Turkey.

The patchy form of the Dutch side has been in sharp contrast to the team's excellent third-place finish at last year's World Cup in Brazil under Hiddink's predecessor Louis van Gaal.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE