Arjen Robben says their hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup are over following Sweden’s 8-0 win against Luxembourg.
Netherlands bear Belarus and stayed in third place, three points behind Sweden, who they face in Amsterdam on Monday. However, Sweden have a superior goal difference meaning it would take a seven-goal victory for Dick Advocaat’s side to reach the playoffs.
“It caused me a lot of pain but unfortunately that is part of sport,” Robben said, in quotes reported by Reuters. “We couldn’t believe it was that much.”
“After the result in Sweden we could not do much more than come out with our chests out. But to win 8-0 in Belarus was never going to be realistic. And 7-0 at home against Sweden, that’s not going to happen either.
“Obviously we must keep believing until the last minute but I had better say what everyone is thinking. It is not realistic to think we can beat Sweden with a big score. People had best leave their calculators at home.”
But when asked about his own future he said: “First Sweden and then we’ll see.”
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