The Netherlands secured a place in the final stage of the European Championship. © EuroFootball.com

The Netherlands became the fourth team to secure a place in the final stage of the 2012 European Championship.

Leading Group E of the FIFA rankings by 6 points, they are ahead of their closest pursuer Sweden and theoretically could still lose their first place, but even in that case they would automatically get a ticket as the best second-placed team. This news was officially confirmed by UEFA.

The Dutch team will host Moldova at home on October 7, and four days later will travel to Sweden.

In addition to the hosts of the final stages Poland and Ukraine, Germany, Spain, and Italy have also already secured their tickets to the European Championship.