Did the Netherlands qualify for the World Cup?

They left it late, and it was uncomfortable viewing for Dutch fans for the majority of the game, but the Netherlands scored twice in the last six minutes to book their spot in next year’s Qatar World Cup with a 2-0 win against Norway. Top of the group, but likely to fall to third and miss out altogether if they lost, the Netherlands didn’t show much ambition in the opening exchanges, perhaps more conscious of not conceding than they were of scoring. But without the injured Erling Haaland, Norway didn’t pose much threat themselves, and after goals from Steven Bergwijn and Memphis Depay, it’s the Norwegians who finish in third and out of the World Cup, with Turkey, 2-1 winners in Montenegro, runners-up.

Netherlands Total Goal Minutes (settled at 174)

Dutch fans will tell you the result was never in doubt, but in reality, the Netherlands came within six minutes of having to go through the play-offs if they were to reach the World Cup finals. Those confident of Dutch progress may have bought their Total Goal Minutes before the game, when the spread was 91-99. As the nerves started to fray, both for Dutch fans and Total Goal Minutes buyers, Tottenham’s Bergwijn got the first goal in the 84^th minute and Depay sealed the win for his team and the buyers with a second in injury time. Buyers therefore won 75 times their stake as the Netherlands wrapped up the 2-0 win.

Will Wales be seeded in the World Cup play-offs?

Kieffer Moore was the hero in Cardiff as Wales secured the 1-1 draw against Belgium needed to ensure they’re seeded in the first round of the World Cup play-offs. Rob Page’s team had already booked a play-off place through the Nations League, but wrapping up second place behind Belgium with a point against them brought that all important seeding. Kevin de Bruyne opened the scoring from 20 yards after just 12 minutes, but the Welsh roared back into it, Moore getting them back on terms after 32 minutes, while Neco Williams almost grabbed all three points late on. Wales last appeared in a World Cup in 1958.

Time of Last Belgium Goal (settled at 12)

Belgium were without a host of attacking players, including Lukaku, Hazard and Tielemans, but Kevin de Bruyne was still on hand to open the scoring with a 20-yard curler after 12 minutes. However, that was as good as it got for Belgium as, despite dominating possession, they couldn’t add a second goal. We saw some sellers in the Time of Last Belgium Goal market, as punters predicted the world number 1 team would have an off night without so many of their stars. While they did manage to get on the scoresheet, that early strike was their only goal, meaning sellers of the pre-match spread of 46-49 made 34 times their stake.

Who impressed in yesterday’s racing?

Daryl Jacob had a quickfire double to end the day’s racing at Lingfield, winning the 3.23 and 3.53 races for two wins from his three rides. Finawn Bawn, the 9/4 favourite, was pulled up in the 3.23, leaving an opportunity Jacob grabbed with both hands on Shanroe Al C for an 11/2 winner. And in the next, Jacob enjoyed an easy victory on 11/8 favourite Carnfunnock, who was more than five lengths clear of second placed Geordies Dream at 16/1.

Daryl Jacob Super Mega Performance (settled at 75)

When the first of Jacob’s three rides at Lingfield, Champ De Gane, trailed in seventh in the 1.40 at 14/1, it didn’t bode well for the Irish jockey, but his fortunes soon changed. Winning both the last two races of the card meant Jacob’s Super Mega Performance, which awards 25 points for a win and doubles the points for a second victory, was settled at 75. Before the meeting, Jacob’s SM spread was set at 21-23, meaning buyers won 52 times their bet.