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The match winner in Oranje: Steven Bergwijn (below)
Photo:
PASCAL ROSSIGNOL / Reuters
The Netherlands have qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. The Elftal won 2-0 (0-0) against Norway in the decisive final group game, Steven Bergwijn (84th minute) and Memphis Depay (90th + 1) scored late. Bondscoach Louis van Gaal, who suffered a hip fracture in a fall on Sunday, watched the game from a box and kept reaching for his smartphone, while assistant coach Henk Fraser could be seen in the dugout with a headset.
With 23 points, the Netherlands secured victory in Group G ahead of Turkey, which won 2-1 (1-1) in Montenegro.
Only in the event of a defeat by the league leaders would the Turks of German national coach Stefan Kuntz have had a chance of direct qualification, then the Dutch would have been in third place and out.
Now, however, as third in the group (18 points), Norway missed its first participation in the finals since 1998.
Erling Haaland is missing from Norway
In Rotterdam, where no spectators were allowed due to the worsening Corona situation in the Netherlands, the hosts, who lost their first chance for the direct ticket with a 2-2 after 2-0 lead in Montenegro on Saturday, had a very difficult time . Without the injured star striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, Norway lacked the punch for a surprise. Shortly before the end, however, Tottenhams Bergwijn and Barca star Memphis ensured the well-deserved victory.
The fact that van Gaal could not follow the game from the edge of the field was due to the fact that the situation is not designed for wheelchair users.
The Bondscoach wanted to be with the team in the dressing room both before the game and at half-time.
But there is not enough time to cross the field twice during the break to get to the cabins, the association KNVB had previously announced.
Van Gaal was therefore in direct telephone connection with his assistants.
hba / sid / dpa
