Despite delivering a good performance, the Luxembourg football national team had to suffer a 1:3 defeat against the Netherlands in Sunday’s World cup qualification game. In a sold out Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg had a good first half, going into the break at the score of 1:1.

Luxembourg was going into this game with some staff problems, having to do without key players such as goal keeper Anthony Moris (KV Malines) or striker Aurélien Joachim (K. Lierse S.K.) among others. After 23 minutes, an injury for defender Laurent Jans (Waasland Beveren) shocked the Luxembourg team and fans, as he had to end his game at this point.

The guests from the Netherlands were controlling the game early on. With strong and experienced players Arjen Robben (Bayern München) and Wesley Snijder (Galatasaray), the Dutch were controlling the ball and the speed of the game.
Good first half

Arjen Robben had a chance after a quarter of an hour for the Dutch, but should have done better than firing at Ralph Schon (FC UNA Strassen) in the Luxembourg goal, as the Dutch tightened the screw.

The home stopper was finally beaten on 36 minutes when Robben moved the ball onto his favourite left foot to slot home for a deserved Dutch lead.