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After having been brought on as substitute twice before, PSV striker Danny Koevermans was handed his first start for the Dutch team in their Euro 2008 qualifying game against Luxembourg at the Rotterdam Kuip on Saturday night. The 29-year old striker scored the only goal of the night on the stroke of half time, ensuring the Netherlands booked their place at Euro 2008.
The Dutch team enjoyed most possession and patiently passed the ball around in a bid to break open the stubborn Luxembourg defence. Ruud van Nistelrooy got the first opportunity to break the deadlock, but the Real Madrid striker was thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert. Some more chances went begging, when finally Koevermans scored the opening goal shortly before the break. Wesley Sneijder provided the pass from the left wing; Koevermans evaded his marker and subtly tapped home from close range; 1-0. The home crowd would never have thought there were to be no more goals.
Dirk Kuyt, who had replaced Van Nistelrooy at half time, brought out a super save from the Luxembourg goalkeeper and Koevermans came close to scoring a second goal, but cracked his effort into the sidenetting. Ten minutes from time he was taken off and Ryan Babel came on to replace him. The home team survived two scares during the closing stages, with goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar making two fines saves. After their deserved victory against Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Romania are level on top of Group G with 26 points, with one match remaining. Next Wednesday the Oranje travel to Belarus, while Romania play hosts to Albania.
