A second half goal from in-form Manchester United striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy, saved the blushes of the Dutch in Yerevan this afternoon. With the Czech Republic breathing down their necks the "Oranje" could not afford to slip up, and they had van Nistelrooy to thank for providing the key to unlock a resolute Armenian defence.

With Chelsea star Arjen Robben ruled out with an ankle injury, and Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay missing because of knee problems, Hollands’ coach, Marco van Basten, started with Arsenal youngster Robin van Persie partnering van Nistelrooy in attack.

Missing such key players undoubtedly left the Dutch team a little lightweight up front. But a hard won victory leaves them in pole position.

The pressure really now is on the Czech Republic, who's loss today of 2-0 in Romania has made it a tough proposition for the Czech's to be able to wrestle second spot from the Romanians, who leap-frogged the Czech's into a one point lead over them in the group.

A brace from former Chelsea player Adrian Mutu, saw the Romanians, who had almost been discounted as contenders for a play-off place, keep the very real possibility of maintaining their momentum to take that much coveted second spot, from a previously much rated Czech side.

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