No way through for Dutch
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Article summary
Netherlands 0-0 Armenia Klaas Jan Huntelaar hits the post but Foppe de Haan's side drop more Group 1 points.
Article body
By Berend Scholten
The Netherlands suffered another UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 1 setback as they followed a 2-0 defeat by Romania with a home draw against lowly Armenia.
Pasveer save
Coach Foppe de Haan had admitted his disappointment at the Romania loss, especially at the lack of discipline leading to a red card for Robin van Persie. But the closest they came tonight was through Klaas Jan Huntelaar, selected ahead of Collins John, who hit the post in the first half. Armenia could even have won the game with 15 minutes left, but Remko Pasveer saved Khoren Veranyan's effort.
June games
De Haan's side are now three points behind the second-placed Czech Republic, and may well need to defeat leaders Romania on 3 June to revive their bid for a play-off place. Armenia, who moved above Finland into fifth place with today's point, welcome F.Y.R. Macedonia the same day.