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In spite of a rather poor performance, the Dutch team produced a great result by beating Finland 0-4 away. In spite of the fact that the final score was not a fair reflection of what had been going on, the Dutch team remain on top of World Group One. PSV player Theo Lucius was carried off the pitch with a broken leg.Van Nistelrooy Ruud van Nistelrooy opened the scoring with a solo action before the break and fellow striker Dirk Kuyt was at the end of a lethal counter attack in the second period. Phillip Cocu and substitute Robin van Persie then wrapped up things. Van Persie created goals for Kuyt and Cocu and scored one himself.The Fins put up a convincing display at home and dominated the game for a long period.LuciusAfter the Fins had failed to take advantage of an opportunity in the initial stages, the Dutch team was troubled by injury setback. Theo Lucius was carried off on twenty minutes with a broken leg. Jari Litmanen was also taken off, when he sustained a muscle injury. The Fins hoped for a shock result, but suddenly Landzaat found Van Nistelrooy, who created some space before firing home, against the run of playVan PersieFinland continued to dominate proceedings in the second period as well and the Dutch still did not perform too well. After Van Nistelrooy had a goal disallowed for offside, he was taken off and Van Persie left the bench to replace him. It was Van Persie who started a great move. He superbly set up Robben, who squared the ball back for Van Persie. The substitute found Kuyt who could not miss from close range; 0-2. PSV player Cocu was the next man to get his name on the score sheet, following another wonderful pass from Van Persie. The 21-year-old forward then dispossessed two Finnish players and crowned a wonderful performance by blasting a low shot into the net three minutes from final time.Top of Group OneThe Netherlands, having collected 22 points from their eight qualifying games, remain on top of group one. They are one point ahead of the Czech Republic that ran riot against Macedonia (6-1). The Dutch team will travel to Armenia, welcome Andorra, play away against the Czech Republic (on 8 October) and entertain Macedonia. Apart from their home game against the Dutch, the Czechs will play hosts to Armenia and be on the road to Romania and Finland.
