Netherlands and Italy qualify for World Cup
Holland and Italy became the first teams to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil on Tuesday with victories over Andorra and the Czech Republic
The Netherlands and Italy on Tuesday celebrated becoming the first European teams to book places at next year’s World Cup in Brazil when the final pieces of the continent’s qualifying jigsaw began to fall into place.
The Dutch sealed their place after a Robin van Persie double gave them a 2-0 win in Andorra while Italy came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Turin with Mario Balotelli scoring the goal that sealed their berth from the penalty spot.
There was also plenty for Germany, Switzerland, Russia, France, England and Bosnia to be happy about but there was gloom for Romania, Israel and Ireland, with the Czechs in despair as their hopes either disappeared totally or became technically unfeasible.
There is also some renewed belief in Iceland, who have never reached a major finals, after they beat Albania 2-1 in Reykjavik to move into second place behind Switzerland in Group E.
Bosnia, who have also yet to play in a finals, stayed top of Group G on goal difference after they won a rip-roaring game 2-1 in Slovakia and second-placed Greece beat Latvia 1-0 in Piraeus.
But the biggest cheers could be heard in Dutch and Italian towns and cities as their teams booked places with two matches to spare.