Holland 4 - 1 France
The Dutch Demolished a Tired-Looking French Side
Holland prooved that their tremendous 3 - 0 victory over Italy was no fluke in an exciting game that saw the Oranje rip through a French team that never looked particularly threatening and only occasionally looked as if they were serious contenders.
An early goal from Liverpool striker from Dirk Kuyt (10) put Holland into the lead. A corner from Rafael Van der Vaart evaded Thierry Henry on the near post and the Liverpool striker launced himself into the air to beat Chelsea man Florent Malouda. Malouda's defense was lame- he should have jumped to match Kuyt and attempt to get his own head in the way of danger, but his feet stayed floored as he attempted to grapple Kuyt.
The remainder of the first half could have seen either team gain a substancial lead. Chances from Franck Ribery and Sidney Govouy forced Edwin van der Sar to stretch but none beat the Dutchman.
HALF TIME:
Holland 1 - 0 France
On the 48th minute, Henry's appeals for a penalty were ignored by German referee Herbert Fandel. A shot from Henry hit the arm of defender Andre Ooijer in the penalty area but Ooijer wasn't looking at the striker or the ball and the ref. deemed it ball to hand.
Henry had his opportunity to grab a goal only a few minutes later after Malouda's overhead kick jumped the defense and put Henry in the clear for goal. Four years ago the Barcalona striker would definitely have nailed the chance but, whether due to nerves, lack of form or something else, he sent the ball high over the crossbar.
Holland's second goal came from the kind of counter-attack that gained them two goals against Italy. Robben sprinted down the left and sent a ball in for van Persie, who controlled it before driving past Coupet. The French keeper was able to get his fingers to the shot, but it was too powerful and he couldn't stop it.
Les Blues were briefly back in the game on the 71st after Henry's flick redirected Willy Sagnol's cross into the net.
But their celebration was short-lived as the unforgiving Dutch answered with a tight-angle goal from substitute Robben only one minute later.
And Van Basten's men still weren't happy with a 3 - 1 lead. In extra- time, Sneijder claimed a gorgeous goal from 20 yards.
Holland now lead the so called "Group of Death" with 6 points- 4 more than second place Romania. They defeated both finalists of World Cup '06 with a huge lead.The tactics of Holland's manager played a massive part in the aggregate. Other managers may not have been so bold with a relentlessly attacking approach and all caution thrown to the wind (at half time, he took off the defensive midfielder Engelaar for the attacking dynamo Robben), but Van Basten, "Wanted to be able to attack". He added that, "We did that".
Italy and France both have to win their last game to stand a chance of going into the quarters. And if Romania beat Holland, neither of the '06 finalists will qualify.
Group C:
Pd W D L Pts
Holland 2 2 0 0 6
Romania 2 0 2 0 2
France 2 0 1 1 1
Italy 2 0 1 1 1
Holland:
van der Sar, Boulahrouz,Ooijer,Mathijsen,Van Bronkhorst,De Jong,Engelaar (Robben 46), Kuyt ( Van Persie 55), Van der Vaart ( Bouma 78),Sneijder, van Nistelrooy
France:
Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Evra, Govou (Anelka 75), Toulalan, Makelele, Malouda (Gomis 60),Ribery, Henry
