Netherlands, in a very compromised situation to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, resisted in the race thanks to an important 3-1 victory against a direct rival, Bulgaria, this Sunday in Amsterdam.

Three days after the painful setback suffered in Paris against France (4-0), the Oranje, the third-place finisher in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, faced this match against the Bulgarians with a feeling of being in a 'match-ball' situation.

The three points were added to the Dutch counter thanks to a brace from Davy Pröpper (7th and 80th minutes) and a goal from veteran Arjen Robben (67th). Ivelin Popov (69th) scored the only goal for the Bulgarians.

In the standings, the Netherlands moves up from fourth to third place, now overtaking Bulgaria by one point, swapping positions.

The Dutch are still three points behind Sweden in second place, who won convincingly this Sunday (4-0) in Belarus and currently holds the position that would allow them to enter a playoff in November, the Dutch's main hope of reaching Russia, considering that France seems to have the top spot virtually secured.