Nistelrooy/Hasselbaink are omitted

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat has left strikers Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink out of his squad for the final Euro 2004 qualifier against Moldova on Saturday.

The Dutch are certain to finish second in Group Three following their 3-1 defeat by the Czech Republic last time out and face a play-off to try to reach next year's tournament in Portugal.

Van Nistelrooy was left out for disciplinary reasons following his behaviour after being substituted in Prague, while midfield duo Mark van Bommel and Edgar Davids are both suspended for the game in Eindhoven.

"After the defeat against the Czechs we know exactly what is left. Second place in the group is a fact," said Advocaat.

"Against Moldova we have to show that we have handled the Prague disappointment and are ready for the play-offs. With a good result on Saturday we can gather confidence for the play-offs," he added.

Story Tools		Click Here to try 4 Free Trial Issues of Time!

Trapattoni new VfB Stuttgart coach • Real plan fresh offer for Robinho • Roma snare Udinese coach Spalletti • Bordeaux appoint Brazilian Ricardo

EU 'crisis' after summit failure • Iran poll to go to run-off • 40 million credit cards exposed • U.S. House votes to keep U.N. dues