The Netherlands moved to the brink of World Cup qualification after a tense 1-1 draw with Poland in Warsaw, a result that leaves the hosts with a daunting task if they hope to catch the Group G leaders.
Poland entered the match missing key defensive figures, with Jan Bednarek and Lukasz Skorupski sidelined and Przemyslaw Wisniewski suspended.
Their reshuffled back line weathered an early scare at the other end when Nicola Zalewski smashed over from close range. Another blow followed as Sebastian Szymanski limped off inside 13 minutes.
A sluggish Netherlands created little before half-time, and they were punished when Robert Lewandowski slipped Jakub Kaminski through to finish calmly past Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutch hit back quickly after the interval, Memphis Depay tapping in his 55th international goal after Donyell Malen’s header was parried.
Verbruggen was called upon again to deny Lewandowski as Poland pushed back, but the contest soon stalled after flares thrown onto the pitch caused a stoppage.
The final stages were cagey, with late efforts from Michal Skoras and Ryan Gravenberch the only real threats before the visitors settled for possession in added time.
The draw all but secures the Netherlands’ World Cup place thanks to their superior goal difference over Poland. Oranje will finish their campaign at home to Lithuania on Monday, while Poland head to Ta’ Qali to face Malta in a must-win scenario.
