For the Netherlands, it was a golden opportunity to banish the ghosts of back-to-back final defeats in 1974 and 1978

Dick Advocaat gets off to a winning start as the Netherlands keeps their slim hopes of qualifying for next year's World Cup alive with a 5-0 win over Luxembourg.

Bayern Munich edged past Werder Bremen 2-1 on Saturday for a Bundesliga record 13th consecutive win over them to stay three points clear at the top of the table.

Robert Lewandowski strikes twice and Arjen Robben nets with a rare diving header as champions Bayern Munich come from a goal down to win 3-1 at Mainz 05 to reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga.

Arjen Robben says Bayern Munich's performances must improve as Robert Lewandowski's two goals rescued a 2-1 come-back win at PSV Eindhoven to put them in the Champions League's knock-out phase.

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has labelled Barcelona star Lionel Messi the opponent he has had the most difficulty facing.

The Netherlands, who were within a penalty shootout victory of reaching the 2014 World Cup final, now stand on the brink of missing the European Championships for the first time since 1984.

Iceland beat 10-man Netherlands 1-0 on Thursday while Gareth Bale’s header against Cyprus almost guarantees Wales a spot in the next year’s Euro.