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6/6/09

USA Today: Soccer - Netherlands beats Iceland to qualify for World Cup

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Soccer - Netherlands beats Iceland to qualify for World Cup

The Netherlands became the first European nation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after beating Iceland 2-1 on Saturday. Midfielder Nigel de Jong scored in the ninth minute, and Mark van Bommel doubled the lead seven minutes later to assure the Netherlands of top spot in Group 9 with two matches still to play. Kristjan Orn Sigurdsson scored for Iceland in the 88th. Earlier, Japan became the first team to qualify for the World Cup by winning 1-0 at Uzbekistan. Australia and South Korea also advanced Saturday, while South Africa qualifies automatically as host.

"We can be proud. Six games, 18 points," Dutch captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst said. "We're glad we've booked out ticket."

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