FIFA World Cup qualifier; Belarus 1-3 Netherlands

Netherlands survived a huge scare as Arjen Robben and Mephis Depay scored late goals to edge Belarus 3-1 in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier, although it remains on the brink of elimination.

Robben netted an 84th-minute penalty and Depay stroked home a stoppage-time free-kick to resuscitate Oranje's slim hopes of finishing second in Group A.

However, Dick Advocaat's men remain unlikely to catch second-place Sweden after its earlier 8-0 rout of Luxembourg, requiring a seven-goal victory when the two nations meet on Wednesday (AEST).

Needing a minimum of six points from their final two matches to have a chance of claiming a play-off spot, the visitors took a narrow 1-0 lead into the break courtesy of Davy Propper.

But Netherlands appeared certain to be absent from a second major international tournament in succession when Maksim Volodko stunned the visitors midway through the second half.

Just as all hope appeared lost, Robben was gifted the chance to restore the lead with a spot-kick and Depay made sure of an essential victory.