World Cup qualifying: Netherlands, Norway & Turkey fight for last automatic spot

1. Three-way shootout for automatic World Cup qualification in Group G between Netherlands, Turkey & Norway
2. The Netherlands would likely qualify with at least a draw against Norway
3. Wins for Norway & Turkey would see them level on points at top with Turkey one goal better off in goal difference
4. A Norway win could see Netherlands miss out on World Cup spot altogether dependant on Turkey's result v Montenegro
5. France face Finland, having sealed World Cup spot with 8-0 win over Kazakhstan
6. Finland two points above Ukraine, who face Bosnia in final game

Almost a costly slip from a Norway defender, which allows Arnaut Danjuma to sprint away. His low cross is blocked behind, though, and the short corner that follows is cleared with ease.

Waste of a free-kick from Memphis Depay. He has the chance to deliver into the box from a central area, but hits the first Norwegian defender.

Just some signs now that the home side are upping the tempo to try and really test Norway. A Steven Bergwijn cross into the middle causes panic but Memphis Depay's return chip into the box floats over everyone and out of play.

It remains 1-0 to Montenegro against Turkey. So as it stands, the Netherlands are going through as group winners, with Norway heading into the play-offs.

Memphis Depay with another sniff. He flicks a Denzel Dumfries cross towards goal but it saved by Orjan Nyland.

Norway's first real attack sees Morten Thorsby float in a cross that is claimed by Jasper Cillessen at the second time of asking. Prior to that, there was a good old-fashioned long throw into the middle from the visitors. Egil Olsen would be proud.

Two Premier League players come together as Steven Bergwijn of Tottenham is clattered by Southampton's Mohamed Elyounoussi.

Soon after there is a big chance for Memphis Depay, who rises but is under pressure from a defender and can only head at the keeper from close range.

The Netherlands are dominating possession but Norway are sitting deep, soaking it up and looking to fire forward at pace like a coiled spring.

This is an awful reminder of those dark days during the last 18 months or so when we had to watch fan-free football. No noise, no atmosphere, no emotion.

How many phone calls do you think Danny Blind will be getting from Louis van Gaal this evening as he orchestrates things from his position in the stands? Might as well just set up a 90-minute Zoom meeting.

Steven Bergwijn fires a cross over from the right but it is straight to Orjan Nyland, who claims comfortably.

A quiet opening five minutes here. It's not surprising. Neither of these teams will want to make an early mistake.

Now then!

An early twist!

Montenegro are 1-0 up against Turkey already. Remember that Turkey are the only side who can deny these two finishing first and second in the group. They'll have to come from behind to do that now.

Fatos Beqiraj has scored the Montenegro goal.

One thing that is for sure... Denzel Dumfries will be flying down that right wing from full-back. He looks to make an early dart but the attack breaks down.

So, a potential nail-biter then.

It's eerie without the fans, but it could be very, very glum for the home side if they fail here. Norway looking to do a Serbia.

KICK-OFF

And away we got in Rotterdam. I'm going to be focusing on this game for what will hopefully be a bit of drama. I'll endeavour to bring you updates from elsewhere too, including France v Finland.

Louis van Gaal is indeed here, sat in a wheelchair near the side of the pitch.

Elite matches are back behind closed doors because of rising Covid cases in the Netherlands, so no sea of orange to urge the home side on tonight.

They do have a few of those air-propelled big wavy-arm figures that you find outside car dealerships, though.

What Uefa has to say...

To really get into Group G in granular detail, let's defer to Uefa's breakdown of the qualification permutations...

• Netherlands will qualify with a win, or a draw if Turkey fail to win.
• Turkey can still potentially finish first on goal difference or goals scored. They will be confirmed in the top two with a win, or a draw if Norway lose.
• Norway can still potentially finish first on goal difference or goals scored. They will be confirmed in the top two with a win, or a draw if Turkey lose

And...

• If Turkey and Norway finish level on goal difference and goals scored, Turkey will finish higher on the head-to-head results between the teams in the group. Netherlands have the better head-to-head record against Turkey.

All clear?

'The brain is still working'

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Louis van Gaal will be on the bench for the Netherlands' World Cup qualifier on Tuesday against Norway despite injuring his hip when he fell off his bicycle.

The 70-year-old was cycling near the team hotel on Sunday when he fell and was taken to hospital for tests.

The ex-Manchester United boss did Monday's news conference via video link while sitting in a wheelchair and used a golf buggy to oversee training.

"Physically I'm not good, but the brain is still working," he said.

"I'm in a lot of pain, that's why I was in a buggy during training. I can still do everything and have done all the preparation that I normally would have."

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, who appeared at the news conference in person, said the incident was "definitely a shock".

"We are happy that he can lead us and it hasn't impacted much in terms of the preparation," said the Liverpool defender.

"This morning he chaired an important meeting and still guides us. Van Gaal is still keen to make it to the World Cup."

Finnish legend