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The party that the Dutch people had been looking forward to did not materialize in the sold-out Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday night. The Dutch team were held to a goalless draw by Macedonia in their final World Cup qualifying group stage game. Last Saturday night the Netherlands already made sure of qualifying for the World Cup 2006 in Germany by enjoying a 0-2 victory over the Czech Republic. Macedonia comfortably held out in the first half against the team of coach Marco van Basten. The hosts lacked creativity and the pace of the game was low. They created some slender chances in the final five minutes of the first period, but that was hardly enough to satisfy the fans. ‘Oranje’ were hissed and booed at half time. The second half was also a low-key affair, although it should be added that it needs two sides to make it a proper game. The Dutch team did not score for the first time in their fine qualification campaign. The Dutch had to settle for a dour stalemate against Macedonia in Amsterdam in a game that never came alive and frustrated the fans. Earlier in the campaign Macedonia and the Netherlands drew 2-2 Skopje.Czech Republic ensure play-offsThe Czech Republic have ensured a World Cup play-off spot in November. They beat Finland 0-3 in Helsinki. PSV player Mika Väyrynen was not called up for the Finnish side, as he has sustained an injury. Tomas Jun, Tomas Rosicky and Marek Heinz scored the goals for the Czechs. The draw for the play-off games is made at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on 14 October.
