13 – Euro 2016 set for a new era
There was plenty to like about Europe’s smaller footballing nations, but the biggest story of Euro 2016’s qualifying round was a true heavyweight of world football.
For the first time since 1984, the Netherlands failed to qualify for a Euro tournament.
From the off, the task appeared straightforward enough for the Oranje. On paper, they boasted the best team in their group, with a similar (but not totally replicated) squad to the one that made a World Cup final in 2010. But performances suggested anything but.
A dreadful campaign culminated in a fourth-placed finish, five points off Turkey in the final qualifying spot – the Turks proved to be the best third-placed team.
If their efforts could be summed up in a moment, then Robin van Persie’s own goal in the 3-2 home loss against the Czech Republic would be it.
Alongside the demise of the giants was the rise of the minnows. Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Iceland, Albania and Wales all secured qualification into the tournament for the first time. Iceland finished second in Group A (the same group as the Dutch), as did Wales who trailed only Belgium, now ranked first in the FIFA rankings.
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