Prolific Red Devils forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy couldn't have had a better return to his national side, with a magnificent hat-trick, as the Dutch fought back in style from the 1-0 defeat they suffered at Hampden Park.

After a well publicised goal drought on the domestic scene earlier in the season, it would now seem Van Nistelrooy is back to his old ways. The former PSV star, who had been left out of the Dutch squad recently due to an argument with fellow Dutchman Patrick Kluivert, received a booking in only the 4th minute but them made up for it by scoring the all-important 3rd Dutch goal just before half-time.

Van Nistelrooy went onto score his second just after the break, before securing the addition of another match ball to his collection on 67 minutes. Sneijderm, Andre Ooijer and Frank de Boer got the other goals for the Orange outfit.

It was a bitterly disappointing night for the Scots, and their travelling support, especially after the fantastic result in the opening leg on Saturday. After a poor start to the campaign, Bertie Volgts turned things around with a number of impressive results, but the Tartan Army will once again be absent from a major championships.

Wales' play-off anguish means England are the only British side to qualify for the European Championships', which will be held in Portugal next year.

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