EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, Oct. 13 (UPI) — One of the Netherlands’ best could also be the reason the Dutch wont be at Euro 2016.
Striker Robin van Persie, on as a substitute in the 38th minute, headed in an own goal to give the Czech Republic a 3-1 advantage. The Dutch lost 3-2 Tuesday at PSV Philips Stadium in Eindhoven.
Following the own goal and a Klaas-Jan Huntelaar score, van Persie, 32, netted a score in the opponent’s goal.
But the own goal was the decisive blow for the Dutch. The Dutch still needed Turkey to lose to Iceland to clinch third place and a playoff spot in Group A.
The Dutch played with 10 men after Merek Suchy was sent off the field before halftime.
On van Persie’s sorrowful shot, the striker brought down a cross with his head, beat his own keeper, and knocked the ball back into his own net.
In 2014, van Persie netted 14 goals and had three assists in 34 games for the Netherlands and Manchester United.
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