The draw kept the gap between the two teams at three points, and with just one game remaining, the Netherlands' goal difference of +19 could only be threatened by Poland (+6) with a miracle.
Not everyone was happy with the massive step towards World Cup qualification, however. Captain Virgil van Dijk spoke of a "tough night" in Warsaw and said Oranje were perhaps "too slow" going forward.
The Liverpool stalwart also spoke about Poland's low block, which made it hard for the Netherlands to create many chances. Manager Ronald Koeman adds a bit of self-reflection to that statement.
"It can be difficult when you don't do things right," Koeman told NOS after the game.
"And sometimes you look for difficult solutions instead of switching sides quicker, and then you might get a moment when Donyell (Malen) or Cody (Gakpo) can take action. Then you have to be more patient and defend better at certain moments. I don't think we had many chances, but they had two big chances outside the goal."
The Netherlands conceded the opening goal on the cusp of half-time, when Jakub Kaminski was launched onto Oranje's half with one pass from Robert Lewandowski. Koeman found the goal unacceptable to concede.
"You're five against two at the back. Several players aren't doing what they're supposed to do. It should never happen at this level," Koeman, who played a sixth different back-four in seven qualifying games, continued.
"Of course, when you have five people at the back against two attackers, you can't have them just charging towards the goal. Then things happen that shouldn't happen. Then you have to defend better, or sit back more, or defend the inside. Virgil (van Dijk) may have to cover Lewandowski and not Timber, who is out of position."
'It has to be better'
Not only his defenders, but also Koeman's forwards played disappointing games in Warsaw. The Netherlands attempted eight shots at Poland's goal, four fewer than the hosts, and were largely unthreatening.
"We always create a lot of chances in our matches. It was also difficult for the lads up front today. Poland always had the upper hand. Then you have to be at your best offensively, but we weren't today," said Koeman, whose team will have to punch their ticket to next year's World Cup on Monday, against Lithuania.
"We have to play better in these kinds of matches, and you have to qualify. It has to be better."
