4-1. Second great win by the Dutchmen although when they score the 2-0, France had the pressure on for half an hour and deserved the 1-1. And a clear handball from Ooijer should have been a penalty. Together with that first goal against Italy, Holland seems to have the champion's luck. Three excellent goals in the second half. Best team of the tournament so far. Again very inadequate substitutions by the French coach. And how can you leave Trezeguet out for Gomis or Anelka? Apparently because he doesn't have the right zodiac sign. No joke.
Thuram, captain, and Henry, returning from injury, played the whole match. Abidal was replaced by Evra at the left back position, which could be questioned with Kuijt being the opponent on that wing.
Thuram didn't really make big mistakes but because of his lack of speed he always pulls back too easily and when you're 1-0 behind that's not what you need. Henry had a difficult first half. It seemed to change with a good move and shot just before the break, was more involved in the second half, but then an awful miss in a one-on-one with Van der Sar. Good goal afterwards (but was he on side?), nice touch. Seeing him with a big smile one minute after the end of the match, you can ask if this guy still has the hunger and motivation to go for it every game during a whole season.
Read everything about Barcelona in the Euro 2008 here
With Zambrotta officially on his way out, I won't comment the Italy games anymore (well for this once: Zambrotta again had an Old Trafford moment this evening, although he did well in general, excellent going forward)
Friday 13 June 2008
Euro 2008: Netherlands-France (group C)
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4 comments:
the dutchies were incredible again,we definetly need some dutch players,come on laporta i am looking at you bring vdv.
I hate to admit it but on this night Real Madrid's player outshown Barcelona's players by leaps and bounds...
Zambrotta: Almost cost Italy the match with a horrible clearance header that he virtually served on a platter for Mutu.
Henry: Could have had a hat trick. Definitely should have scored twice. Poor first touch on the looping attempt that went way over the crossbar. He won't get any easier chances than that. Unlucky in his other attempt that was a handball from the Dutch inside the box and should have led to a penalty.
Thuram: What can you say? Had absolutely no business being on the pitch. At this stage of his career he's a sub at best. The minute I saw that he was in the starting lineup I knew France would be in for a long day at the back.
I thought THE play of the game was RVD's brilliant maneuver on the touch line that led to Robben's break away and subsequent cross to Van Persie for the tap in.
Sneijder's goal at the end was a thing of beauty, a true piece of art. And while I questioned the substitutions of Robben and Van Persie in the second half. I give Van Basten credit for not sitting back and playing for the 1-0 win, but instead going for it all and bringing on more attacking players. It was certainly fun to watch and his gamble certainly paid off. I know it's been only two matches but Holland look unstoppable right now.
About Thuram only two things to say, too old and should be replaced by Mexes. Henry was decent, one goal but he should have scored more. Van der Vaart and Sneijder was incredible, plz sign VdV, plz. Robbens goal was incredible congratulations Real Madrid for having three european champions next season that are on the top of their game, Sneider, Robben and Nistelrooy.
They have Drenthe too...when did Barca go from the team that boasted Dutch excellence like Kluivert, Overmars, Cocu, Reiziger, de Boer, etc. to a team that carries no Dutch players? On an added note, Giovani van Bronckhorst looks fantastic and doesnt look like the player we got rid of last year. We need the Dutch influence back in the side, please buy Van der Vaart and Huntelaar!
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