The Netherlands earned second Euro 2012 qualifying win

08 september 2010 13:00

Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored two early goals as the Netherlands earned the second win of their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Finland at the Rotterdam Kuip on Tuesday. Afellay was handed a starting berth for the Netherlands. Lens came on as a substitute, while Pieters was an unused substitute.

Ibrahim Afellay was a constant menace to the Finland backline.

Two early goals

The Netherlands, with Ibrahim Afellay in the starting XI, were brimming with confidence, following the 5-0 victory at San Marino on Friday in their opening qualifying game. The Oranje got off to a dream start at the Rotterdam Kuip. Only seven minutes were on the clock when Klaas Jan Huntelaar rose highest to head home Wesley Sneijder´s corner beyond the Finnish goalkeeper. Nine minutes later, the new Schalke 04 striker scored his fifth goal in two Euro 2012 qualifying games. Former PSV captain Mark van Bommel went down in the penalty area after a foul from Markus Heikkinen and Huntelaar comfortably converted the resulting spot kick. The visitors were not over-impressed and threatened on the counter attack. Mikael Forsell, completely left unmarked, reduced the deficit in the 18th minute, heading home from a corner: 2-1.

Qualifying games in October

The hosts continued to dominate the game, but the Fins also had their moments and Maarten Stekelenburg pulled off a number of fine saves to keep his side in the game. In the 74th minute Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk brought on Jeremain Lens for Ibrahim Afellay, who had been a constant menace to the Finland backline. Vurnon Anita replaced Erik Pieters at left back in the starting line-up. The PSV defender was an unused substitute. The Netherlands will be next in action on 8 October when they face Moldova before they play host to Sweden four days later.