Dutch Masterclass Too Good For French, and Late Penalty Save Keeps Italy in Contention
Netherlands 4 v 1 France, Romania 1 v 1 Italy
The Dutch are lighting up Euro 2008 with some stunning performances, and now must be strong favourites to at least reach the final, if not win the tournament.
Within 10 minutes of this evening’s match against a French side desperate to get their tournament under way, the Netherlands took the lead.
Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt headed home from a corner after he out muscled Florent Malouda. Robin Van Persie added the second with 20 minutes left on the clock after France had dominated play since the opener. A Robben aounter-attack down the left wing, produced a cross for the Arsenal man to sweep the ball home.
Thierry Henry ensured France were still in with a shout, when he pulled one back in the 71st minute. Joy was short lived however, as Robben scored a Dutch third just seconds later from a tight angle.
With France leaving themselves open as they attacked, Sneijder smashed home the 4th in injury time - giving keeper Coupet no chance.
France were undone by some clinical finishing and swift counter-attacking, and are now left to fight for a place in the quarter-finals with Italy. If Romania get 3 points against the Dutch, however, all will be in vain - and both Italy and France will be out.
In the other Group C game this evening, Romania broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with an effort from Adrian Mutu. Just one minute later though, and Italy had equalised through Christian Panucci who made enough contact with Giorgio Chiellini’s header across goal to put it beyond Lobont in the Romanian goal.
The Netherlands are now confirmed as Group C winners with 6 points - and two fantastic performances. Romania lie in 2nd place on 2 points, while France and Italy follow on a single point each.
it is such a shame to see France loss the way they did yesterday , the coach is just too sentimental , I see no point dropping the likes of Sagna , Flamini Clichy and other young players for players like Thuram , Sagnol and Gallas …it really showed they are past it and I think the banging will be a wakeup call