体坛英语新闻：Netherlands thrash Andorra 3-0 in World Cup qualifier

ROTTERDAM, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands had no trouble winning its third match in European zone 2014 World Cup qualifying Group D, beating Andorra 3-0 in Rotterdam on Friday.

Coach Louis van Gaal opted for Klaas-jan Huntelaar as the center striker, leaving Manchester United star Robin van Persie on the bench. The Dutch missed big stars Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder due to injuries. Because of Sneijder's absence Kevin Strootman started as captain.

Rafael van der Vaart opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a combination with Huntelaar and the latter headed in the second goal eight minutes later. After the first two goals the Dutch was not able to give the audience a blistering performance, the match became rather dull. Bruno Martins Indi scored, but his goal was denied due to offside.

In the second half the Netherlands continued its dominance which led to a goal by debutant Ruben Schaken ('50). However, 'Oranje' was not able to score more goals.

The Dutch are tied with Romania on a maximum of nine points from three games in Group D. Earlier on Friday the Romanians beat Turkey 1-0 in Istanbul. The Netherlands and Romania will meet next Tuesday in Bucharest.