Netherlands on verge of World Cup qualification

The Netherlands seems likely to be the first European team to secure a place at next year's World Cup and can move even closer to that goal if it beats Macedonia on Wednesday.

The Amsterdam match is one of 23 in European qualifying for the 2010 tournament in South Africa and, although England, Germany, Spain and World Cup holder Italy also appear well on track, it is the Netherlands setting the pace.

The Dutch beat Scotland, their closest rival in Group 9, 3-0 Saturday to stretch their lead to eight points halfway through qualifying. Victory at home over Macedonia coupled with a draw between Iceland and Scotland would leave only Norway with a theoretical chance to overhaul the Netherlands.

"I think it will be really strange if we fail to qualify," Dutch striker Robin van Persie said.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who scored the opening goal against Scotland, agreed.

"It feels really good to get four straight wins," Huntelaar said.

"We haven't qualified yet but it should now be easy from this position.

"However, it is always dangerous to be complacent."

Still, the Netherlands shouldn't have too many problems against a team with just three points from three matches.

LONDON, AP