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Robin van Persie's own goal sinks Netherlands' Euro 2016 hopes

By Alex Butler
Robin Van Persie of Holland. UPI/Chris Brunskill
Robin Van Persie of Holland. UPI/Chris Brunskill | License Photo

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- One of the Netherlands' best could also be a reason the Dutch wont be at Euro 2016.

Striker Robin van Persie, on as a substitute in the 38th minute, headed in an own goal to give the Czech Republic a 3-1 advantage. The Dutch lost 3-2 Tuesday at Amsterdam ArenA.

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Following the own goal and a Klaas-Jan Huntelaar score, van Persie, 32, netted a score in the opponent's goal.

But the own goal was the decisive blow for the Dutch. The Dutch still needed Turkey to lose to Iceland to clinch third place and a playoff spot in Group A.

The Dutch played with 10 men after Merek Suchy was sent off the field before halftime.

On van Persie's sorrowful shot, the striker brought down a cross with his head, beat his own keeper, and knocked the ball back into his own net.

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In 2014, van Persie netted 14 goals and had three assists in 34 games for the Netherlands and Manchester United.

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