Euro 2016 Qualifier: Netherlands will qualify despite Turkish escape, says coach Guus Hiddink
Guus Hiddink (File photo) dna
Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink insisted his side would qualify for next year’s European Championship as questions over his tenure re-emerged in the wake of a last-gasp 1-1 home draw with Turkey on Saturday.
Hiddink’s team needed a goal from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, two minutes into stoppage time to snatch a dramatic draw in the Group A qualifier at the Amsterdam Arena. Had Huntelaar not scored, it would have been their first loss at home in a European Championship qualifier.
“Of course, we will succeed even if I’m not sure yet how. We wanted to beat Turkey but at the end of the qualifying competition it could yet prove to be a very important point,” said Hiddink. The veteran coach had already been under pressure after the Dutch lost two of their opening three Group A qualifiers. After the 2-0 defeat in Iceland in October, he had talks with the Dutch football association over his role, but was given a vote of confidence.
Euro 2016 Qualifier: ‘Lucky Sneijder’ rescues Netherlands against Turkey
Pressure eased after a 6-0 win over Latvia in November but was ratcheted up again after Saturday’s disappointing draw. A leading Dutch soccer website began an online poll on whether the coach should stay after Saturday’s performance, eliciting a luke warm response. “It was difficult against a team like Turkey,” said Hiddink.
“They came to play football with a wall but they are not a bad team.
via NorthEast Calling http://ift.tt/19fhGAu
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