This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
On Saturday, November 16, 2019, the Netherlands, Germany, Croatia, and Austria solidified their places in the Euro 2020 tournament, marking a significant milestone in the qualifying process.
World champions France, Spain, Italy, and England have already secured their spots, with European champions Portugal one win away from qualification.
The Netherlands, led by Ronald Koeman, needed a point to qualify for their first major tournament since the 2014 World Cup. They secured a goalless draw with Northern Ireland in Belfast, with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk stating, "It means a lot for us as players. Hopefully it means so much to the Dutch people."
"It means a lot for us as players. Hopefully it means so much to the Dutch people," Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said.
Germany, meanwhile, moved top in Group C with a 4-0 win over Belarus in Moenchengladbach, with Toni Kroos scoring a brace. Kroos stated, "Overall we did well, but at the moment I don't include us among the favourites for the European title."
"Overall we did well, but at the moment I don't include us among the favourites for the European title," said Kroos, echoing coach Joachim Loew's comments from earlier in the week.
Croatia survived a scare to secure their place in the Euros after coming from behind to beat Slovakia 3-1 in Rijeka. Bruno Petkovic headed the hosts in front, and Ivan Perisic sealed the three points with a thumping finish with 16 minutes left. Petkovic stated, "We were trying to stay calm in the dressing room at half-time, we were sure that our quality would prevail. We kept attacking, creating chances, and the goals came."
"We were trying to stay calm in the dressing room at half-time, we were sure that our quality would prevail. We kept attacking, creating chances, and the goals came," said Petkovic.
Austria booked their place with a 2-1 win over North Macedonia, while Poland maintained a three-point lead at the top of Group G with a 2-1 win at Israel. Belgium, meanwhile, maintained their 100 percent record with a 4-1 win over Russia in Saint Petersburg, with Eden and Thorgan Hazard putting Roberto Martinez's side three goals ahead at the break.
