Austrian route blocked by draw

Austria are out of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying contention after being held 0-0 in the Netherlands.

Win needed
Only victory would have given Austria hope of catching Group 3 top two the Czech Republic and Belarus, but instead the home side, who had two draws and three defeats from their previous five qualifiers, looked the more likely to win.

Hersi chances
Youssouf Hersi shot wide on eight minutes for the Netherlands, while at the other end home goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was relieved as a fumble hit his own post. Hersi went close again on the half-hour, but the Dutch could not score before the break.

Goalkeepers in action
There was little chance in the second half as the hosts dominated, but could not open the scoring. Austrian substitute Roman Kienast almost snatched a goal on the counterattack but Stekelenburg saved, while Jack Tuyp has a chance for the Netherlands blocked by visiting goalkeeper Hans-Peter Berger.

Austrian hopes ended
Hersi had the final chance in added time as he missed when through on goal, but it was the Austrians who were left rueing not having scored as their hopes of making the play-offs ended.