Friday 4 September 2015 11:23, UK
Head coach Danny Blind admits the Netherlands have a 'mountain to climb' to qualify automatically for Euro 2016 after defeat to Iceland.
The 1-0 home loss on Thursday evening leaves the Dutch third in Group A, six points behind second-placed Czech Republic and only one ahead of their next opponents Turkey.
The top two teams qualify automatically for the finals in France next year while all but the best third-placed finisher proceeds to play-offs in November.
"The reality is now we have to go for the third place. That's the option we have left," said Blind, who was taking charge of his first match on Thursday.
"This was certainly not the scenario that I had in mind for my first game as coach. The team showed a lot of confidence but I knew it could be a difficult game.
"We now face climbing a mountain. I have to try and stimulate the team and we need to get some points."
Blind, who has taken over the reins from Guus Hiddink, had scathing words for defenders Bruno Martins Indi, sent off just past the half-hour mark, and Gregory van der Wiel, who gave away a penalty early in the second half.
After new captain Arjen Robben went off injured in the 27th minute, Martins Indi was shown a red card six minutes later for lashing out at striker Kolbeinn Sighthorsson.
"It was unbelievably unprofessional, something to the detriment of the whole team. That was the turning point of the game," said Blind.
The dismissal meant a tactical switch, with target man Klaas-Jan Huntelaar replaced before half-time by defender Jeffrey Bruma; in a move jeered by supporters.
"I'm not thrashing myself but I will look at the choices I made. But I feel we prepared well," said Blind.
The decision against Van der Wiel seemed harsh, but Blind added: "In football you have to stay on your feet in those situations and tackle correctly."
Watch Turkey v Netherlands at 5pm on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD via the Red Button.
