NETHERLANDS : HOW THEY QUALIFIED

The Netherlands (10-0-2, 32 points), third in the FIFA world rankings, captured a tough European Group 1, leaving the No. 2-rated Czech Republic (9-3-0, 27) five points behind. The Dutch clinched a Cup spot with a 2-0 triumph over the Czechs on October 8, 2005 as Rafael van der Vaart and Barry Opdam found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar made sure the foes didn't, denying Tomas Rosicky on an early penalty kick in the Dutch side's first win on Czech soil, in Prague.

QUALIFYING RESULTS
9/8/04 Netherlands 2, Czech Republic 0
10/9/04 Macedonia 2, Netherlands 2
10/13/04 Netherlands 3, Finland 1
11/17/04 Andorra 0, Netherlands 3
3/26/05 Romania 0, Netherlands 2
3/30/05 Netherlands 2, Armenia 0
6/4/05 Netherlands 2, Romania 0
6/8/05 Finland 0, Netherlands 4
9/3/05 Armenia 0, Netherlands 1
9/7/05 Netherlands 4, Andorra 0
10/8/05 Czech Republic 0, Netherlands 2
10/12/05 Netherlands 0, Macedonia 0