November 14, (THEWILL) – Netherlands drew 2-2 with Montenegro in the final eight minutes, denying them automatic qualification for the World Cup finals.
The Netherlands had a slim advantage at the top of Group G going into the penultimate round of games, but Norway’s loss to Latvia at home opened the door.
Things appeared to be going well when Memphis Depay scored a brace to put the Dutch in command.
After Davy Klaassen was felled in the box, the opening goal came from the penalty spot on 25 minutes.
On 54 minutes, the Barcelona man added a second goal, turning in Denzel Dumfries’ cross at the near post to complete a swashbuckling Dutch move.
However, with eight only minutes remaining and just as the Dutch were considering it a home run, Ilija Vukotic scored a breakaway goal for Montenegro, and shortly after, Nikola Vujnovic headed home.
Van Gaal’s team had crumbled before the final whistle and, having lost two points, had to settle for a single point. Yet, the Dutch still control their own destiny, as they lead Group G with 20 points, two ahead of Turkey and Norway.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
