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NO DUTCH COURAGE

Holland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup all but over despite their 3-1 victory over Belarus in Group A

HOLLAND'S dreams of competing in the World Cup next summer have been left in tatters after Sweden romped to a 8-0 victory over Luxembourg.

The Netherlands - who beat Belarus 3-1- are three points behind the Scandinavian country with just one match to play, but have an inferior goal difference of a whopping 12 goals.

Striker Marcus Berg was on fire for Sweden at the Friends Arena against Luxembourg
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Striker Marcus Berg was on fire for Sweden at the Friends Arena against LuxembourgCredit: Getty - Contributor
The Al-Ain man celebrates with Ola Toivonen after scoring against the European minnows
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The Al-Ain man celebrates with Ola Toivonen after scoring against the European minnowsCredit: AP:Associated Press

Dick Advocaat's men know they must beat Sweden by more than six goals if they are to qualify for Russia next year.

Sweden - currently second in Group A - are just a point behind France after their 1-0 win over Bulgaria tonight.

Didier Deschamps' side have guaranteed at least a play-off spot after Blaise Matuidi's solitary goal won the game at the Vasil Levski National Stadium.

Their win means that the Dutch national team cannot leapfrog France in the group, and know they must thrash Sweden next week, though their chances of qualifying are slim at best. 

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Andreas Granqvist was on the score sheet for the Scandinavian country in their Group A clash

Marcus Berg hit four against Luxembourg as his side ran out easy 8-0 winners
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Marcus Berg hit four against Luxembourg as his side ran out easy 8-0 winnersCredit: Reuters
Sweden's emphatic victory leaves Hollands chances of qualifying for the World Cup all but over
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Sweden's emphatic victory leaves Hollands chances of qualifying for the World Cup all but overCredit: AP:Associated Press

And they will face a Sweden side who are high on confidence after four wins in their last five competitive matches.

They have netted twelve goals without reply in their last two fixtures, with Saturday's 8-0 thumping at the Friends Arena highlighting their attacking prowess.

Al-Ain striker Marcus Berg whacked in four goals against Luxembourg, with Andreas Granqvist helping himself to a brace.

Elsewhere Celtic star Mikael Lustig got on the score sheet, as did former Sunderland ace Ola Toivonen.

Holland must thrash Sweden when the two sides meet on Tuesday
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Holland must thrash Sweden when the two sides meet on Tuesday

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Brighton star Davy Propper opened the scoring against Belarus at the Borisov Arena, before the home side equalised through Maksim Volodko.

Arjen Robben then found the bottom left corner with a penalty, before Lyon winger Memphis Depay wrapped up the victory in the 93rd minute with a delightful free-kick.

Arjen Robben races back to his own half after netting a penalty for Netherlands against Belarus
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Arjen Robben races back to his own half after netting a penalty for Netherlands against BelarusCredit: AP:Associated Press
Memphis Depay netted with a superb free-kick injury time to seal the victory for Holland
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Memphis Depay netted with a superb free-kick injury time to seal the victory for HollandCredit: Reuters
The Dutch players walk off the pitch at Borisov Arena after failing to close the goal difference on Sweden
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The Dutch players walk off the pitch at Borisov Arena after failing to close the goal difference on SwedenCredit: Reuters

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