The Netherlands were forced to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Norway in a World Cup qualifier in Oslo, an inauspicious start for new coach Louis van Gaal.
Erling Haaland put the Norwegians ahead after 20 minutes but Davy Klaassen equalised 17 minutes later to earn the Dutch a share of the spoils in an untidy Group G clash at the Ullevaal Stadium.
The result left the Netherlands, who have seven points from four matches, behind Turkey in the standings.
Unbeaten Turkey, held to a 2-2 draw by Montenegro on Wednesday, moved on to eight points while Norway are on seven but behind the Netherlands on goal difference.
Haaland netted his eighth goal in 14 internationals with typically enterprising ability, bringing down an errant clearance with his back to goal and turning to steer the ball home in the 20th minute, despite a despairing tackle from Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch equalised when Georginio Wijnaldum’s cross from the right wing was steered home by Klaassen after Norway’s defence had failed to clear.
Klaassen had a similar chance on the stroke of half-time and Van Dijk’s header straight afterwards was saved on the line by Norway goalkeeper Andre Hansen.
The Dutch held the upper hand after the break but a Norwegian counter-attack on the hour mark saw captain Martin Odegaard feed Haaland on his left foot and the 21-year-old striker hit the woodwork with a clever effort that sought to catch out Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who was making his debut, at the near post.
The Dutch might have won it with the last kick of the match but Denzil Dumfries did not get enough power on to his effort and Hansen was able to keep the ball out.
The Netherlands were hoping for a positive start under the 70-year-old Van Gaal, who has taken on the national team job for a third time but had just two days to work with his side before Wednesday’s qualifier.
He replaces Frank de Boer after a disappointing European Championship where they went out in the last 16 to the Czech Republic.
"It was a very disappointing result in a frustrating match," said Memphis Depay on Dutch television.
"We didn't apply enough pressure and lacked creativity."
The Netherlands are next at home to Montenegro in Eindhoven on Saturday while Norway travel to meet Latvia the same day.
•France were held to a disappointing 1-1 home draw by Bosnia after playing almost half the game with 10 men in a World Cup Group D qualifier.
Nine weeks after their shock loss to Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2020, the world champions had Antoine Griezmann to thank for a quick equaliser after Edin Dzeko had put the visitors ahead in the first half.
Didier Deschamps's side had Jules Kounde sent off for a rough tackle early in the second half and although they dominated possession, they had to be content with sharing the points at Strasbourg's La Meinau stadium.
France remained unbeaten in four games and lead the group with eight points, four ahead of Ukraine who were held to a 2-2 draw in Kazakhstan earlier on Wednesday.
The French next face Ukraine away on Saturday before hosting Finland next Tuesday while Bosnia, who are fourth on two points from three matches, take on Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
"It's always more complicated when you play with 10 men. But we re-organised to be more compact to at least keep the result," Deschamps said.
"Of course, that's not what we were looking for but World Cup qualifiers are hard for everyone. We have an extra point but we will be looking for two wins in our next two games."
- Reuters
Dutch draw with Norway in meek start under new coach Van Gaal
Image: Stian Lysberg Solum / Reuters
The Netherlands were forced to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Norway in a World Cup qualifier in Oslo, an inauspicious start for new coach Louis van Gaal.
Erling Haaland put the Norwegians ahead after 20 minutes but Davy Klaassen equalised 17 minutes later to earn the Dutch a share of the spoils in an untidy Group G clash at the Ullevaal Stadium.
The result left the Netherlands, who have seven points from four matches, behind Turkey in the standings.
Unbeaten Turkey, held to a 2-2 draw by Montenegro on Wednesday, moved on to eight points while Norway are on seven but behind the Netherlands on goal difference.
Haaland netted his eighth goal in 14 internationals with typically enterprising ability, bringing down an errant clearance with his back to goal and turning to steer the ball home in the 20th minute, despite a despairing tackle from Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch equalised when Georginio Wijnaldum’s cross from the right wing was steered home by Klaassen after Norway’s defence had failed to clear.
Klaassen had a similar chance on the stroke of half-time and Van Dijk’s header straight afterwards was saved on the line by Norway goalkeeper Andre Hansen.
The Dutch held the upper hand after the break but a Norwegian counter-attack on the hour mark saw captain Martin Odegaard feed Haaland on his left foot and the 21-year-old striker hit the woodwork with a clever effort that sought to catch out Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who was making his debut, at the near post.
The Dutch might have won it with the last kick of the match but Denzil Dumfries did not get enough power on to his effort and Hansen was able to keep the ball out.
The Netherlands were hoping for a positive start under the 70-year-old Van Gaal, who has taken on the national team job for a third time but had just two days to work with his side before Wednesday’s qualifier.
He replaces Frank de Boer after a disappointing European Championship where they went out in the last 16 to the Czech Republic.
"It was a very disappointing result in a frustrating match," said Memphis Depay on Dutch television.
"We didn't apply enough pressure and lacked creativity."
The Netherlands are next at home to Montenegro in Eindhoven on Saturday while Norway travel to meet Latvia the same day.
•France were held to a disappointing 1-1 home draw by Bosnia after playing almost half the game with 10 men in a World Cup Group D qualifier.
Nine weeks after their shock loss to Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2020, the world champions had Antoine Griezmann to thank for a quick equaliser after Edin Dzeko had put the visitors ahead in the first half.
Didier Deschamps's side had Jules Kounde sent off for a rough tackle early in the second half and although they dominated possession, they had to be content with sharing the points at Strasbourg's La Meinau stadium.
France remained unbeaten in four games and lead the group with eight points, four ahead of Ukraine who were held to a 2-2 draw in Kazakhstan earlier on Wednesday.
The French next face Ukraine away on Saturday before hosting Finland next Tuesday while Bosnia, who are fourth on two points from three matches, take on Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
"It's always more complicated when you play with 10 men. But we re-organised to be more compact to at least keep the result," Deschamps said.
"Of course, that's not what we were looking for but World Cup qualifiers are hard for everyone. We have an extra point but we will be looking for two wins in our next two games."
- Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Latest Videos
Most Read
Sport
Cricket
Cricket
Pages
Rugby