Netherlands leave it late to beat Kazakhstan

Amsterdam, Oct 11 (IANS) The Netherlands registered their first win in Euro 2016 qualifying Group A after a comeback 3-1 win over Kazakhstan here.

After the 1-2 opening loss against Czech Republic Sep 9, the Netherlands Friday night needed a win against Kazakhstan to get their qualifying campaign back on track, reports Xinhua.

Dutch head coach Guus Hiddink, who succeeded Louis van Gaal after the World Cup, lined up a 4-3-3 system with Arjen Robben, who returned from injury, Robin van Persie and Jeremain Lens up front. 

Ibrahim Afellay made his comeback to the midfield, almost two years after his last match for the Dutch team.

As expected the Dutch were the more attacking of the two in the first half. The hosts pushed Kazakhstan back and created a few chances. Robin van Persie even found the net, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

In the following attack, Stefan de Vrij lost the ball and Kazakhstan profited. The corner by Andrey Karpovich was headed in by Renat Abdulin for the shock lead.

In the second half, Van Persie missed a good chance, but it was substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who broke the deadlock. 

He headed in a cross by Afellay in the 61st minute. Although the Schalke 04 striker was in offside position the goal was allowed.

After a tackle by Baurzhan Dzholchiev on Afellay, the Kazakh received a red card and the visitors had to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Arjen Robben hit the cross bar from a free-kick as the Dutch kept on pushing.

Afellay finally provided some respite to the team with a 82nd minute deflected strike that put the Dutcgh in front. 

Van Persie went down in the penalty area and the Netherlands were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute. The Dutch forward converted this opportunity himself to make it 3-1. 

In injury-time a goal by Robben was disallowed for offside. 

After this narrow escape the Netherlands now have three points in Group A. 

Czech Republic, who beat Turkey 2-1 in Istanbul, and Iceland, who defeated Latvia 3-0 in Riga, are both on six points. 

The Netherlands meet Iceland in Reykjavik Monday while Kazakhstan welcome Czech Republic with Latvia hosting Turkey.