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DOHA. — The Netherlands are on the verge of reaching the knock-out stage at the FIFA World Cup and an overwhelming favourite in their final Group A match today against host nation Qatar.
The match kicks-off at 5pm (Zimbabwean time).
If the Dutch advance it will put more focus on 71-year-old coach Louis van Gaal, who stepped out of retirement just over a year ago to take over the national team while being treated for aggressive prostate cancer.
Host nation Qatar have lost their first two matches and already missed their chance to move on from the group stage.
For the Netherlands a draw will suffice to advance and put the Netherlands into contention again in a World Cup after failing to qualify four years ago.
The Dutch could even get through with a loss if Ecuador beat Senegal in the other Group A match.
In the round of 16, the Netherlands would face one of the top two teams from Group B, where England are the favourite with Iran, Wales, and the United States scrambling for a spot. — AP
Online Reporter