Netherlands joined Malta Poland, Finland and Lithuania in Group G of the European Qualifiers leading to the FIFA World Cup 26 after being eliminated from the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

The loser of the play-off between Spain and the Netherlands was drawn in Group G in last December’s draw.

In the first leg on Thursday, Spain scored on the 90th to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw in Rotterdam. Nico Williams had put Spain ahead on 9 minutes but goals by Cody Gapko on 28 minutes and Tijjani Reijnders one minute in the second half turned the score in the Netherlands’ favour. However after they had a player sent off, Spain took full advantage and Mikel Merino equalised on the 90th.

On Sunday, the clash in Valencia ended in a 3-3 draw after extra-time with Spain prevailing 5-4 on penalties.

Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead on 8 minutes as he converted a penalty but Memphis Depay equalised thanks to another penalty nine minutes in the second half. Oyarzabal scored again for Spain on 67 minutes but Ian Maatsen levelled matters on 79 minutes to force extra-time. Lamine Yamal restored the lead for Spain two minutes from the end of the first half of extra-time but a Xavi Simons penalty four minutes in the second half of extra time restored equilibrium.

In the penalty shoot-out, Van Dijk, Koopmeiners, Simons and Taylor scored for the Netherlands with Lang and Malen missing out. On the other hand, Spain scored through Merino, Ferran Torres, Garcia, Alex Baena and Pedri with Yamal missing the only penalty for Spain.

Malta plays the Netherlands on Tuesday June 10th away from home, hosting them on Thursday October 9th.