Wednesday, June 18, 2008

We Went Dutch, Dutch, Dutch

Anyone who is following Euro 2008 can't help but be impressed by the performance so far of the Dutch squad. Not only did they emerge from the so-called Group of Death, but they thoroughly obliterated their competition in doing so. Results like 3-0 over the World Cup champion Italians, 4-1 over the Cup runners-up French and 2-0 against #12 in the world Romania sent a powerful message to the rest of the world that this may be the time for the Netherlands. Their counterattacks have been cruel, doling out punishment to the sides who dared press forward or got caught napping, and in doing so exposed some glaring weaknesses in back of the French and Italian sides.

All this after coming in with what seemed to be a barrage of injuries to boot. The quarters promise some great matchups, Italy/Spain being perhaps foremost. Whichever side flops more should prevail. Who that will be is anyone's guess.

Anyone interested in a lighter take on all things soccer-related that happen from an English perspective should check out the following blog, a quality mix of sarcasm, humor and jealousy:

http://sniffingtt.blogspot.com

1 comment:

C.S. said...

quality stuff.

Dutch whimpered just like Portugal and Spain almost did. I thought for sure Spain would miss in the PKs and allow the Italians back in after their early lead. They did, but shockingly enough they prevailed.

Spain, with Torres and Xavi Alsono and maybe Villa, are any Liverpudlian's favorites right now. I also think they are the best team left. Russia will probably upset them only to come back to earth against Germany in the finals. Yawn. Another German win, though they are far more offensive minded than the italians.