Krul blow taints Georginio’s joy

GOALS from Georginio Wijnaldum and Wesley Sneijder kept alive Holland’s hopes of Euro 2016 qualification as they won 2-1 in Kazakhstan last night — but victory was marred by a serious-looking knee injury to Tim Krul.

The Newcastle keeper was given a rare start in goal for the Dutch after Ajax’s Jasper Cillessen hurt himself in the warm-up. But Krul was also injured with 10 minutes remaining after falling awkwardly and looks a doubt for the forthcoming clash with Norwich City.

But there was joy for Krul’s club-mate, midfielder Wijnaldum, who joined Newcastle for £14.5million from PSV in the summer. He opened the scoring in the first half and Sneijder rifled home the second with a stunning effort in the 49th minute to give Holland boss Danny Blind his first victory.

Islambek Kuat reduced the deficit with virtually the last kick of the game.

Victory lifted the Dutch into third place in Group A, temporarily at least, as they chase a play-off spot. Iceland and the Czech Republic top the table although Dutch hopes rest with Turkey dropping points.

But a win in Astana was never in doubt as Holland dominated.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was again left on the bench for a third successive game by Blind but came on for the final four minutes to win his 100th cap.