Netherlands manager Danny Blind has admitted that the Dutch face an uphill battle to qualify for Euro 2016.
The Dutch, who finished third in the 2014 World Cup, can only enter next month’s Euro playoff qualifiers if they beat second place Czech Republic in Amsterdam and hope Turkey loses at home to group leaders Iceland in Istanbul.
Turkey, with 15 points, are currently placed third in Group A, with the Dutch 2 points further behind in fourth. Iceland and the Czech Republic have already qualified for the European Championship to be held in France next summer.
Dutch can still qualify for Euro 2016 reveals Blind
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Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Amsterdam, Dutch manager Danny Blind struck a positive chord when he revealed that he believes his side can still qualify for Euro 2016.
“We have to win and we are focused on that and then hope the other match result works out for us,” said Blind (Via Eurosport).
“That [Turkey’s 2-0 win against the Dutch] was a big disappointment for us,” added Blind. “But we are still alive and that’s what we must focus on. It’s actually the same situation that we had before Saturday’s matches but this is our last chance.”
When asked about Turkey’s chances of stumbling at home to the Icelanders, Blind remarked, “I believe they will (lose). But more than that I will not obsess about that game. We must win and that’s the only thing that I can influence.”
“I will not talk now about what is in the future. That is for later,” said Blind when asked about his future if the Dutch fail to qualify.
Little Hope for the Dutch after Disastrous Campaign
The Dutch are currently paying the penalty for a disastrous qualification campaign that saw them lose to direct rivals Iceland (twice), the Czech Republic and Turkey. Current manager Danny Blind was appointed in August this year after Guus Hiddink resigned following a string of disappointing results for the Dutch.
However, Blind hasn’t fared any better as he lost his first two games in charge of the Dutch national team to Iceland and Turkey.
Turkey, who began their qualification campaign as poorly as the Netherlands, have enjoyed a mini revival after winning 3 of their last 4 matches including a 3-0 hammering of the Dutch in Istanbul last month. They will go into their encounter with Iceland brimming with confidence.
Dutch qualification hopes are hanging by a thread.
We need all the support ! We hebben alle steun nodig ! #achteroranje pic.twitter.com/HT4JLJXecY
a Georginio Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) October 13, 2015