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Van Nistelrooy shows Dutch the way to 2006 World Cup [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
Amsterdam (Reuters) - The Dutch put in their worst performance of their World Cup qualifying campaign so far in Armenia, but still ended the day with a 1-0 win and a guaranteed playoff spot for next year's finals in Germany.
The Czech Republic's surprise 2-0 defeat in Bucharest helped Marco van Basten's men open up a three point lead at the top of Group One, with the second-placed Romanians now only able to match their tally of 25 points and take it to the head-to-head.
Victory over Andorra at home on Wednesday will take much of the sting out of the match against the Czechs in Prague on October 8, which had looked at one stage like being a group decider.
The Czechs can still catch them, but the Dutch will ensure qualification as group winners with wins over Andorra this week and in their final match against Macedonia in Amsterdam on October 12.
"Tonight was a typical match when nothing goes the way you wanted," Van Basten told reporters after the match.
"I wasn't interested in the result of the Czech Republic. I want my team to beat Armenia and Andorra and then we can approach the Czechs next month the way we want."
Getting the Dutch to such a strong position is a personal triumph for Van Basten, who has enjoyed a dream start as coach and still is unbeaten after nine wins and four draws.
The former World Player of the Year is still not satisfied about the way his team is performing and wants the Dutch to dominate matches more.
"It was a very tough match for us, everyone did all they could but things just didn't work out like planned," goalscorer Ruud van Nistelrooy said.
"We played with Dirk (Kuijt) and Robin (van Persie) as wingers and that is not their natural position but after all we got where we came for, three points."
Van Nistelrooy's 23rd goal in 46 internationals broke the deadlock after 62 minutes in Yaravan, the Manchester United marksman receiving the ball with his back to goal before making a trademark turn and pulling the trigger.
Another goal against Andorra in Eindhoven on Wednesday will see the former PSV player equal his coach's international tally of 24, although they both trail Patrick Kluivert whose 40 goals makes him his country's top scorer.
Van Basten has called up AZ Alkmaar defender Tim de Cler to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who is suspended for the Andorra match following his booking in Armenia.
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