Netherlands vs Albania: Euro 2008 Qualifying Match Review

Holland left it until stoppage time to score in the Euro 2008 Qualifying match that put them equal on points with Group G leaders Romania. Although the Dutch dominated for virtually the entire match it took a late stoppage time winner from Ruud van Nistelrooy to put away the tie.

The Oranje were boosted by the presence of Wesley Sneijder who miraculously recovered from injury in time for today's match after picking up an ankle injury in training on Monday. The other starters were Edwin van der Sar, Wilfred Bouma, Joris Mathijsen, Mario Melchiot, Andre Ooijer, Gio van Bronckhorst, Demy de Zeeuw, Ryan Babel, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Robin van Persie.

The return of Sneijder meant that Clarence Seedorf was once again relegated to the bench, as was the fit-again Rafael van der Vaart who came on in the 49th minute for de Zeeuw.

Both Sneijder and van Nistelrooy narrowly missed the target in a bright start for the Dutch, although Albania occasionally looked dangerous as well. Edmond Kapllani had a 7th minute header blocked, and Erjon Bogdani shot well wide in one of Albania's few attacks.

Albanian goalkeeper Arjan Beqaj had two good saves in the first half, equaling a rocket from van Nistelrooy and a curled ball from Sneijder.

It was Edwin van der Sar who was first called into action in the second half, beating off shots from Bogdani and Lorik Cana in the first few minutes after the break. However, as the Dutch piled forwards, an opening goal began to seem inevitable.

Sneijder had a 54th minute volley saved, and Rafael van der Vaart and Mario Melchiot both came close, before Robin van Persie forced Beqaj into yet another save.

However, as the game approached the 90 minute mark, the Dutch appeared to falter and the game looked set to become a 0-0 draw. In the 87th minute, though, Cana was sent off, and the Dutch looked determined to beat a 10 man Albania.

A cross from former Barcelona man Gio van Bronckhorst reached van Nistelrooy who made no mistakes from 12 yards out, saving blushes for the Dutch in injury time.