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Johansen faces play-off’s while Holland crash out

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uefaStefan Johansen will have to negotiate a play-off if Norway are to reach the finals of the European Championships in France.

The Celtic midfielder captained Norway to a 2-1 defeat from Italy in Rome that left the Norwegians in third place behind Italy and Croatia in Group H.

With 18 minutes left to play Norway were in top spot after taking the lead through Alexander Tettey while Croatia were in front away to Malta.

Italy had already qualified but levelled the scores through Alessandro Florenzi with that goal dropping Norway from first to third and a place in Sunday’s play-off phase.

With eight minutes left to play Southampton’s Graziano Pelle ensured that there would be no comeback when he put Italy 2-1 in front. Croatia’s 1-0 win in Malta takes them through in second place to Italy.

The drama in Rome was overshadowed by events in the Amsterdam ArenA where World Cup semi-finalists Holland crashed out the tournament losing 3-1 to the Czech Republic.

Holland needed to win the match and hope that Turkey lost at home to Iceland but the Dutch found themselves trailing 3-0 after 66 minutes with Robin van Persie putting the ball into his own net for the third goal!

Klass-Jan Huntelaar and van Persie scored in the last 20 minutes but with Turkey beating Iceland 1-0 the Dutch find themselves failing to make the play-off’s for a 24 team event that will be graced by Wales, Iceland and Albania.

Wales completed their campaign in front of a party like crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium with a 2-0 win over Andorra with goals from Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale.

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  • Joe says:

    Great last line comment! Has it escaped your notice that we also failed to qualify for a 24 team competition which will be graced by Wales, Iceland and Albania!

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