BRUSSELS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Beaten World Cup finalists the Netherlands opened up a three-point lead in Group E of the 2012 European Championship qualifying after a 1-0 win in Moldova on Friday.

In the first half, Rafael van der Vaart set up Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with a superb pass through the defense as the Dutch made it three wins from three qualifiers despite the absence of Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Theo Janssen, Eljero Elia, Hedwiges Maduro and Vurnon Anita.

"The first half went very well," Van der Vaart said. "It was a shame we didn't take more of our chances to make life easier."

The Netherlands have nine points, three more than group rivals Sweden and Hungary.