After the game, Guus Hiddink's wards were visibly disappointed in Kazakhstan for the second time in a row.
One of the strongest national teams in the world fell behind 0-1 at home after the first half to the visitors from an exotic country, but in the 62nd minute Klaas Jan Huntelaar equalized the score.
Soon after, the visitors' goalkeeper Dzholchiyev was sent off, and the "Oranje" took full advantage - scoring two more goals in the 82nd and 89th minutes and celebrating their first victory in the European Championship A qualification group.
In another match, the Czechs provided another surprise, defeating the Turks 2-1 away. U. Bulut scored a goal for the local fans in the 8th minute, but T. Sivok and B. Dockal responded with accurate strikes in the 15th and 58th minutes.
Neighboring Latvians lost 0-3 to the Icelanders in front of their own fans.
Group A:
Iceland 6 points
Czech Republic 6 points
Netherlands 3 points
Kazakhstan 1 point
Latvia 1 point
Turkey 0 points
In Group B, Belgium crushed Andorra 6-0 at home. K. de Bruyne and D. Mertens each scored two goals for the winners.
Israel defeated Cyprus 2-1 away, while Wales played a goalless draw with Bosnia.
Group B:
Wales 4 points
Israel 3 points
Belgium 3 points
Cyprus 3 points
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 point
Andorra 0 points
In Group H, Croatia beat Bulgaria 1-0 away, while Italy defeated Azerbaijan 2-1 at home. Interestingly, all the goals were scored by the hosts' defender, G. Chiellini - he corrected his mistake in the 82nd minute, becoming the hero of the match.
In another away match, Norway crushed Malta 3-0.
Group H:
Italy 6 points
Croatia 6 points
Norway 3 points
Bulgaria 3 points
Azerbaijan 0 points
Malta 0 points
