Ruud van Nistelrooy scored in the final minute of the game to give all three points for Netherlands in their Euro 2008 qualifier match against Albania on Wednesday.

Netherlands struggled to stamp their authority for large portions of the match, but were given a break in the 87th minute when Albania were reduced to 10 men after Lorik Cana received his marching orders. With a minute left for the final whistle, Nistelrooy came to Netherlands' rescue with a close range shot that keeps them level on points with Romania at the top of the table.

The Dutch started strongly with Wesley Sneijder and Nistelrooy both coming close to open the scoring early in the second half, but saw their attempts go wide. But the first real chance fell to Albania in the 7th minute when Edmond Kapllani saw his header blocked.

However Netherlands soon took control of the match as Nistelrooy, Sneijder, Robin van Persie and Ryan Babel all went close to scoring, but were either denied by Arian Beqaj or shot wide of the target. Albania started the second half on top as Edwin Van der Sar had to be at his best to deny Erion Bogdani and Lorik Cana.

The Dutch began to get their rhythm back as Sneijder and Van Persie went close, but their shots were saved by Beqaj. Albania received a blow in the 87th minute when Cana sent off for misconduct. Netherlands took full advantage of the numerical superiority and took the lead in injury time.

Nistelrooy latched on to Giovanni van Bronckhorst's cross from the left wing before smashing home a close range shot deep in injury time to snatch all three points for Netherlands. With the dream of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals all but over, Albania face Slovenia in their next match on October 13 while Netherlands play in the top of the table clash against Romania.