Van Nistelrooij punished

Ruud van Nistelrooij has been punished for his behaviour during the Netherlands' last UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against the Czech Republic.

Will not play
The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) confirmed today that Dutch coach Dick Advocaat would not select Van Nistelrooij for the final Group 3 game against Moldova, to be played in Eindhoven on 11 October. A KNVB statement confirmed: "The reason for this measure is the behaviour of Van Nistelrooij during the [UEFA] European Championship qualification match on Wednesday 10 September in Prague."

Costly defeat
Van Nistelrooij kicked out at a water bottle and was heard swearing loudly upon being substituted 20 minutes from the end of the 3-1 defeat by the Czechs. The result assured the Czech Republic would finish first in Group 3 at the Netherlands' expense.

Apology given
The Manchester United FC striker has already apologised to Advocaat and accepted his absence against Moldova, the result of which will be academic to the Netherlands' chances of making it to Portugal. By finishing second in their group, the Dutch will be involved in a two-legged play-off on 15/16 and 18/19 November.