Maybe I Should Bet On Netherlands
June 14th 2008 04:14
photo: Florian K
After having watched Netherlands (destroy?) France, I just may be convinced to change my pick for Euro 2008 from Spain to the Dutch. Although it’s of note, despite a 4-1 victory, for quite a while in the match Holland really didn’t dominate at all. Quite the opposite actually.
The match was very evenly matched until Kuyt’s breakthrough in the ninth minute, then France dominated for practically the rest of the half. Complete domination too, as though the Dutch had completely rolled over and admitted defeat, despite being up on the score sheet. But still luck favored Netherlands, to the point that 3 goals and assured victory followed, and still for a large portion of the match, the French looked the better side.
Luck in international tournaments is worth so much more than talents, because so often in international football, luck rules the day. Italy couldn’t be playing worse right now, despite having a lineup that reads like a dream team, but they just can’t make anything happen.
Whereas despite horrible, atrocious and offensively bad defensive play, the Dutch have beat both World Cup finalists, and notched seven goals in the process. I’m still amazed that the orange are blazing past the competition so, given that they really aren’t that strong on paper, compared to who they’ve faced.
I greatly look forward to the knockout stages, and seeing if Netherlands can continue their success in winning the “group of death”. Or if like usual, they will implode and completely blow all the momentum they should have had in the tournament.
But given that Spain still haven’t played their second match, I won’t make a final decision for my betting just yet. After all Torres is no longer playing awful internationally speaking, and David Villa has come to life in a way no one could have predicted.
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