Internationals - Bergwijn fires Dutch to Qatar
Tue 16 November 2021, 23:55|Tottenham Hotspur
Steven Bergwijn provided the crucial late breakthrough as the Netherlands booked their place at next year's World Cup Finals in Qatar by beating Norway 2-0 in Rotterdam on Tuesday night.
Needing a win to take top spot in European qualifying Group G - and with a threat that they might miss out altogether if they lost to Norway - Stevie struck after 84 minutes of a cagey encounter at De Kuip before providing the assist for Memphis Depay to wrap it up in injury time. It was Stevie's second goal in his 16th cap.
Ben Davies (69 caps) and Joe Rodon (22) both started as Wales made it mission accomplished in this international break by picking up a 1-1 draw against world-ranked number one side Belgium to secure second place in Group E. That means the Dragons are seeded and will now have home advantage in the play-off semi-final, a one-off tie in March.
Twelve teams are in those play-offs chasing UEFA's final three places in Qatar - Portugal, Scotland, Italy, Russia, Sweden and Wales in Pot 1; Turkey, Poland, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Austria and Czech Republic in Pot 2 - and will be divided into three 'paths' with semi-finals and a final with the three path winners on the plane to Qatar. The draw is on 26 November, semi-finals on 24 March and finals on 29 March.
Heung-Min Son scored his 30th goal in his 98th cap as South Korea beat Iraq 3-0 in Group A of Asian qualifying. Skipper again, Sonny netted the second goal from the penalty spot at the Al Gharrafa Stadium in Qatar. Iran remain top on 16 points after six games, South Korea are on 14 and UAE, in third, are eight points adrift on six with four qualifying matches to go - the top two qualify for the World Cup.
Back to European qualifying and Hugo Lloris kept a clean sheet as France - already qualified for the finals - finished their campaign with a 2-0 win in Finland. That was Hugo's 136th cap. Meanwhile, Maksim Paskotsi earned his 10th cap for Estonia and played 87 minutes as his side were beaten 2-0 by Czech Republic in Prague.
Elsewhere, Oliver Skipp came off the bench on 77 minutes as England Under-21s lost 3-2 against Georgia in a friendly and Dane Scarlett was on target again as England Under-19s beat Sweden 2-0 to top their initial UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying group. Dane scored after six minutes and played 85. Nile John came off the bench in the second half.
Matthew and Michael Craig both started as Scotland Under-19s picked up a late draw against Croatia in UEFA European U19 Championship qualifying. Matthew played for 53 minutes, Michael for 77. Thimothee Lo-Tutala started as France U19s left it even later to beat Serbia 2-1 in UEFA European Championship qualifying - their winner on 90+5 minutes. In UEFA Under-17 European Championship qualifying, Will Andiyapan started as Wales drew 1-1 against Kazakhstan in Albufeira, Portugal.