The Montenegro national team scored two goals in the final minutes, denying the Netherlands the chance to secure qualification for the 2022 World Cup with a 2-2 draw on Saturday, a result that keeps the competition open in Group G. The Dutch team was just 8 minutes away from guaranteeing the group lead, but goals from Ilija Vukotic in the 82nd minute and Nikola Vujnovic in the 86th minute deprived the "Oranje" of victory. Now, they will have to wait for their final home match against Norway in Rotterdam on Tuesday to secure their place in Qatar.
The Netherlands had been in control, leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Memphis Depay, as they sought to overcome the bitter memories of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, their hopes for early celebrations, especially after Norway, their closest pursuers, drew earlier on Saturday, vanished following a thrilling comeback from the hosts.
The Netherlands remained at the top with a two-point lead after Norway drew goalless at home against Latvia, while Turkey won 6-0 against Gibraltar. The Netherlands has 20 points compared to 18 for both Norway and Turkey.
The Dutch benefitted from a penalty in the first half after Davy Klaassen was brought down by Marko Jankovic on the edge of the box. Depay converted the penalty in the 25th minute, bringing his international goal tally to 36 in 75 matches. He added a second goal in the 54th minute, scoring with his heel after a cross from Denzel Dumfries, increasing his total to 11 goals in the current World Cup qualifying campaign.
However, Montenegro reduced the deficit eight minutes from the end with a counter-attack, where the ball reached Vukotic, who evaded Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and found the net. Vujnovic equalized amid confusion in the Dutch defense, and the hosts pressed for a late winner, but ultimately, it did not materialize.
