Kevin Strootman

New Dutch coach Louis van Gaal on Wednesday announced a 32-man squad for the friendly against Belgium, leaving out Mark van Bommel and Wilfred Bouma but bringing back Urby Emanuelson.

Despite spending almost the entire season on the sidelines injured, Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay was included in the Netherlands' final 23-man squad for Euro 2012 on Saturday.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk on Monday announced a bumper preliminary squad of 36 players for Euro 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine, which begins on June 8.

Manchester United squeezed through to the Europa League last 16 on Thursday despite losing 2-1 to Ajax at Old Trafford while former champions Atletico Madrid became Spain's third team in the next stage.

Manchester City stayed five points clear in the English Premier League title race while Real Madrid opened-up a six-point lead over Barcelona in Spain.

Veteran striker Miroslav Klose rolled back the years with a goal and two assists on Tuesday as Germany hammered Euro 2012 rivals Holland 3-0 in a friendly in Hamburg.

Tottenham failed to provide their absent manager Harry Redknapp with a Europa League win after his heart operation on Thursday as elsewhere on the fourth batch of group matches five teams ensured safe passage to the round of 32.

LONDON (Reuters) - World champions Spain and Italy completed the formalities of qualification for Euro 2012 on Tuesday, Netherlands are as good as through and England are in a commanding position to secure a place in next year's finals.

Man City hit back for draw but loses ground on Man United in Premier League. Manchester City got a 1-1 draw at Wigan on Sunday yet fell further behind Manchester United in the Premier League standings.