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Holland to Miss World Cup in Russia Unless They Can Pull Off Mission Impossible

© REUTERS / Vasily FedosenkoNetherlands' Virgil van Dijk in action with Belarus' Nikolai Signevich
Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk in action with Belarus' Nikolai Signevich - Sputnik International
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Nigeria, Poland, Egypt and Costa Rica have qualified for the World Cup in Russia over, but Scotland will not be there and it looks highly unlikely Holland - finalists three times - will make it unless they can pull off a miraculous result in their final match.

The Netherlands, who have appeared in the final three times, look like missing out on the World Cup in Russia next year.

The Dutch team needs to beat Sweden by seven goals in their final game on Tuesday, October 10.

Their manager, Dick Advocaat, was left red-faced after comments he made before Sweden played Luxembourg.

"They won't win 8-0. What a stupid question! I don't believe that," Advocaat told journalists earlier.

Sweden played Luxembourg on Saturday, October 7, and won 8-0.

Ukraine players pose for the pre match photograph. 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Ukraine vs Turkey - Kharkiv, Ukraine September 2, 2017. - Sputnik International
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That means their goal difference is 12 better than the Dutch, meaning they can only be overhauled by losing by seven goals. 

Nigeria's Super Eagles Qualify

Several more teams qualified for next year's tournament after results at the weekend, including Poland, Nigeria, Egypt, and Costa Rica.

But several of the big guns are in danger of missing out.

Italy and Portugal will have to be content with play-off places.

The United State are back in contention after a 4-0 victory over Panama on Friday night, October 6.

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts during a World Cup qualifying soccer match against Peru at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. - Sputnik International
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They will qualify if they win in Trinidad on Wednesday, October 11.

England and Germany qualified last week, joining hosts Russia, Brazil, Spain, Belgium,  Iran, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

The winner of Tuesday night's game, October 9, between Wales and the Republic of could still win the group and qualify but Serbia remain the favorites to go through from that group.

Poor Old Scotland

Northern Ireland are also guaranteed a play-off spot but Scotland fell short, drawing their final game in Slovenia.

The Ulstermen have only played in the World Cup once before, in 1958, although they acquitted themselves well in last year's European Championships.

The draw for Europe's play-off games take place on October 17 and among those clubs who might face each other are Denmark, Greece, Croatia and Slovakia.

Drama Ahead in South America

Uruguay are almost certain to qualify after Tuesday's final matches in the South American section but who will join them is completely up in the air.

Lionel Messi's Argentina, having struggled to a goalless draw with Peru last week, have to win in Ecuador and hope Chile, Peru and Colombia all fail to win.

Argentina's best hope is probably to finish fifth and take their chances in a two-legged play-off match with New Zealand.

Tunisia look almost certain to qualify from one of the African groups and could be joined by Senegal and Morocco, who are still bidding to host the 2026 World Cup.

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