The Euro Qualifiers ended today, leaving an aftermath that was rather surprising. After completing one of the worst performances in the team's history, Netherlands will have to watch the European tournament at home, since they were not able to defeat the Czech Republic on Matchday 10 of the Qualifiers. Furthermore, Turkey's last-minute victory destroyed all their hopes, giving the Turks direct access to the tournament set in France.
The Netherlands failed to qualify for the tournament's group stage for the first time since 1984. Curiously enough, that Euro was also staged in French soil. Michel Platini & Co. ended up winning the trophy for Les Bleus.
Turkey 1-0 Iceland
The Ottoman side was able to subdue the group leaders with a late goal by Selcuk Inan. The midfielder drilled a free kick into the top right corner of Kristinsson's net when time was about to run out. Iceland was not able to keep a clean sheet against the Turks despite playing the last 15 minutes against ten men, leaving Lars Lagerback's side with the Group A's second place. Turkey made it to the European tournament even after losing the first two games of the Qualifying stage.
Turkey have qualified to #EURO2016 as the best 3rd place team with a last minute goal from Selçuk İnan.. talk about dramatic!
— Turkish-Football.com (@Turkish_Futbol) October 13, 2015
Turkey hears the news and have advanced to Euro 2016, thanks to Selcuk Inan #Turkey https://t.co/TtAl4j46kn
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) October 13, 2015
OMMMMGGGGGGGGGGG GOAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL SELCUK INAN!!! HERE WE COME FRANCE!!!
— ToLive&DieForGala (@EmzUlas) October 13, 2015
Here is the Turkey hero: Selcuk Inan. A stunning late free-kick earned his team automatic #EURO2016 qualification! pic.twitter.com/1OeVaQHz1T
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) October 13, 2015
Netherlands 2-3 Czech Republic
The Dutch side was not able to put up a good show for their fans, even if they enjoyed an extra man on the pitch for over 50 minutes. Pavel Kaderabek and Josef Sural made it 2-0 for the visitors before Marek Suchy saw a straight red before the first half ended, making things too complicated for Danny Blind's crew.
To make matters worse, Robin Van Persie scored an own goal at the 66-minute mark, leaving the home crowd completely destroyed. Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Van Persie himself tried to bring themselves back, but fate was not on their side as the third place of the World Cup went out in stunning fashion.
Of course, fans trolled Van Persie for his "poor" defensive skills, while the team also was hit hard by all their critics.
Words cannot describe how much joy I am getting from van Persie's rapid downfall. My God never fails
— #Livi-linkup (@iTweetBollocks) October 13, 2015
Van Persie sold his soul to the devil and this is his comeuppance,Epic failure of a big headed traitor
— Robert Cormack (@Robhurt_u) October 13, 2015
Van Persie did not get that penalty call? #Karma Neither should have been called!
Van Persie no te lo cobraron? Jajaja #Karma Ninguno era penal pic.twitter.com/AUXIwHHAZe
— RiverDeMiVida (@Benja_Lauti04) October 13, 2015
Geez just saw the own goal scored by Van Persie.damn what happened to him..atleast he can still find the net unlike a certain United captain
— Konark Goel (@konark_goel) October 13, 2015
See, told you all that Van Persie hadn't lost his eye for goal....
— Jamie Ward (@jamie_ward84) October 13, 2015
Lovely finish by Van Persie (in the wrong goal!)
— Rob (@nicollback) October 13, 2015
Not the worst LG "ad" :) #netherlands #euro2016 #marketing pic.twitter.com/pzgtPc8LZl
— Markus Sekulla (@markussekulla) October 13, 2015
The Netherlands, from exposing the tika taka of Spain at Brazil 2014, to being unable to beat Czech Republic, Iceland and Turkey to qualify
— Jordan (@Devildart180) October 13, 2015