Drenthe gets holders going
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Article summary
F.Y.R. Macedonia 0-1 Netherlands
Royston Drenthe scored as the holders enjoyed a winning start to their 2009 U21 qualifying campaign.
Article body
The Netherlands overcame sweltering conditions and a resolute home side to get their qualifying campaign for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship off to a winning start in Skopje.
Drenthe opener
Foppe de Haan's side, the winners of the last two final tournaments, scored the only goal midway through the first half when Real Madrid CF summer signing Royston Drenthe connected with Roy Beerens's cross from six metres out. The Jong Oranje could have extended their lead through Tim Janssen and Drenthe again, while the home side nearly drew level when defender Vladimir Dimitrovski rattled the bar with a header on 74 minutes.
Vermeer save
In a frenetic last five minutes the visitors could have twice doubled their lead through Rydell Poepon, who was denied by some outstanding goalkeeping and they were left breathing a huge sigh of relief when their own custodian Kenneth Vermeer came to their rescue with a last-ditch save from Armend Alimi. The win puts the Netherlands on top of qualifying Group 5 alongside Norway.