Robin van Persie scores own goal as Holland fall short of play-offs

Robin van Persie endured a miserable night scoring an own goal as Holland failed to qualify for the European Championships following a 3-2 defeat to the Czech Republic last night.

The Dutch knew only victory would do in the Amsterdam Arena and even then they needed third-placed Turkey to lose to Iceland to clinch third place themselves and a play-off spot in Group A.

Goals from Pavel Kaderabek and Josef Sural, however, put the Czech Republic 2-0 up inside half an hour and while the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Marek Suchy was sent off before half-time, Holland failed to capitalise. Instead, Robin van Persie, on asa sub in the 38th minute, headed home an own goal to put the result beyond doubt, before Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Van Persie scored late consolations.