Dutch thrash Finns to stay ahead of Czechs

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY helped to keep Holland top of qualifying Group One with the goal that set the Dutch up for a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Finland in Helsinki.

Van Nistelrooy beat keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 35th minute before Dirk Kuijt (77), Philip Cocu (85) and Robin van Persie (87) wrapped up the three points that keeps the Czech Republic in second place in the group.

Holland now have 22 points from eight games, one of ahead of the Czechs who beat Macedonia 6-1 earlier in the evening. The hosts bounced back from an early fright after Goran Pandev fired Macedonia ahead in the 14th minute.