Oranje lose to Iceland in football fiasco, calls for Hiddink to go

The Dutch football team were humiliated by Iceland in their European Cup qualifier on Monday night, losing 2-0 in Reykjavík.

The match, described as a ‘fiasco’ by the Dutch press, means Oranje have an uphill struggle to qualify for the competition, with just three points from three matches. Group A leaders the Czech Republic and Iceland have  a six point lead over Oranje.

Arjen Robbens said the Netherlands ‘must be very critical of ourselves’. Captain Robin van Persie said there is a ‘long, hard road ahead’ for the team that won plaudits for its World Cup performance in Brazil.

Coach

Van Persie refused to point a finger at new coach Guus van Hiddink, who took over from Louis van Gaal after Oranje’s third place in the World Cup.

However, others were not so diplomatic. ‘It is over with Hiddink,’ former international Ronald de Boer told Sky Sports. ‘It is time for a younger man.’

Former Ajax coach Aad de Mos told Voetbal International Hiddink should throw in the towel. ‘There is nothing more for him and no perspective,’ De Mos said.

Match report

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