Jong Oranje clinch playoff spot for U21 Euros after dramatic final day
The Netherlands' under-21 team secured a place in the playoffs for next year's European Championship after a 4-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and a draw by Israel, according to multiple Dutch media.
Jong Oranje, the Netherlands' under-21 side, qualified for the playoffs of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship on the final day of qualifying. The team, coached by Michael Reiziger, beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-0 at home and benefited from Israel dropping points in Norway, as reported by Voetbal International, NOS, and NU.nl.
Dramatic evening
The only scenario that would send the Dutch through came to pass, according to Voetbal International. The team needed to win and see Israel fail to win against Norway. Both conditions were met, sparking celebrations among the players and staff. NOS described the evening as nerve-wracking, while FCUpdate called it an ultimate escape.
Playoff draw on Friday
Jong Oranje will learn their playoff opponents on Friday, October 9, when the draw takes place in Nyon, Switzerland, as reported by Voetbalprimeur. The Dutch side will face another second-placed team from the qualifying groups in a two-legged tie next month. Voetbal International notes that the possible opponents will be known on Friday.
The team had appeared to be out of contention before the final round, but the combination of results revived their hopes. Voetbalnieuws highlighted that the team grabbed the last straw by winning convincingly and seeing rival Israel draw.
Next step
The playoff matches will determine which teams advance to the final tournament in 2027. The draw on Friday will set the path for Reiziger's squad as they aim to secure a spot at the Euros.
