Determined Dutch shut out Spain

Spain's chances of direct qualification for the 2005 UEFA Women's Championship faded after they were held 0-0 at home by the Netherlands.

Six points adirft
The Spanish are now six points adrift of Group 2 leaders Norway with a game in hand, and could not move ahead of second-placed Denmark in the race for a play-off place - with the two teams to meet in Spain on 18 April.

Opening chance
It was Spain who had the brightest start to the game and dominated much of the play for the first quarter-hour. Saray Garcia was presented with the first clear chance of the game on nine minutes but her effort flew agonisingly over the bar.

Solid defending
The visitors kept their Spanish opponents at bay with some solid defending, thwarting attempts to break through on goal by Laura Del Rio, Erika Vazquez and Garcia. At the other end, Spanish goalkeeper Elisabeth Capa was relatively untroubled apart from watching a surprise strike from Sandra Muller whistle past the post midway through the half.

Late chances
This pattern continued into the second half for Spain. As frustration and fatigue set in, the Netherlands were allowed back into the game and might have even stole a winner in the dying minutes, only to be denied by Capa.

Difficult task
The result means that three points are vital for Spain when Denmark visit, with the Scandinavian side currently level on points with a game in hand. The Netherlands, after their first away point in the group, are fourth, and visit Belgium on 25 April knowing victory would condemn their neighbours to bottom place and the possibility of relegation.