The Netherlands beat Macedonia 2-1 on Wednesday in their 2010 World Cup Group Nine qualifier in Skopje.

The Netherlands, who play away in their first qualifying match, get the goals in the second-half after a dull first one.

John Heitinga scores the first goal.

Defender John Heitinga broke the deadlock right after the break with a header from close range, and Rafael van der Vaart struck home on the hour mark to make it 2-0.

Macedonia's Goran Pandev scored a penalty in the 77th, bringing the results to 2-1.

Rafael van der Vaart (L) celebrates with his teammates.

For Macedonia, it is a second qualifier at home in four days. Last Saturday they beat Scotland 1-0.

Group Nine includes Scotland, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway and Iceland.

Netherlands beats Macedonia 2-1 in World Cup Qualifier.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2008)