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Dutch dreams dashed as Netherlands misses out on 2018 World Cup

EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP / Getty

For the second successive time, a major tournament will take place without world-footballing-power-turned-disappointment the Netherlands.

Needing an unlikely seven-goal swing Tuesday in Amsterdam against Sweden, the Dutch came up short, finishing third in Group A behind the spirited Scandinavians and group-winner France.

Related: France tops group to book World Cup berth, Sweden nabs play-off place

It wasn't for a lack of trying, though, and after Arjen Robben's Panenka gaffe opened the scoring, the Bayern Munich winger fired home a left-footed missile on the edge of the area five minutes before the break, making the unlikely seem plausible.

Related - Watch: Rocket Robben narrows Dutch deficit to 5

The second half had nary the noteworthy moments of the opening stanza and the Swedes played like a side aware of its play-off destiny, with the Dutch's display similarly tethered to the realities of the qualifying campaign in a 2-0 final.

A runner-up spot at the 2010 World Cup was followed by a third-place standing at the 2014 installment in Brazil, and even with the unenviable title of the most frequent appearances without a title, the Oranje had made a habit of reaching the quadrennial event's latter stages.

Dick Advocaat's charges won't get that chance in Russia, and after missing out on Euro 2016 - landing fourth in Group A - the fifth Dutch manager in as many years will have to answer for the three-time World Cup finalists' latest failure.

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