Euro 2008 - Holland vs Italy

Yesterday the Dutch woke up the footballing world. Until Holland took the field yesterday, Euro 2008 had made a stuttering start, which climaxed with Romania and France's boring 0-0 draw. Holland's shock 3-0 victory over World Champions Italy will stir excitement all over Europe.

It is not that the Dutch played Italy off the park, but they did the simple things well, worked hard, and counter-attacked with such speed and accuracy that the Italians just did not know how to stop them. Both sides kept possession well, and were not afraid to be patient in keeping the ball, waiting for the opportunity for a killer pass to arrive. The best example of this would be Rafael Van de Vaart's precise through ball to Ruud van Nistelrooy when the Dutch striker should have done better.

Italy, and the ignorant (Andy Townsend) will claim that Holland had a lucky break to go 1-0 infront, when van Nistelrooy cooly tapped in Van de Vaart's effort from a poorly cleared set-piece. The truth is that van Nistelrooy was not offside, as Panucci, whilst not on the pitch, was still active and therefore playing van Nistelrooy onside. The simple truth is, to be off the field of play, you need the referee's permission, and without it, you are still active. If a striker had been off the field, and then just stuck his foot round the post to deflect the ball in, would the same ignorant people be claiming the goal should stand? It is not often that Officials are given credit, and no doubt ITV and Andy Townsend will not apologise, but the Linesman (sorry, Referee's Assistant) made an excellent decision.

After this goal, it was just a case of Holland demonstrating the art of counter-attacking football. Italy never really looked like committing too many players forward, in fact, if Roberto Donadoni continues with what can only be described as three anchor midfield players, Italy are going to go nowhere. Luca Toni, with the occasioal support from Di Natale, were never going to threaten a Dutch defence that I'm sure will not withstand a serious attack. Ironically, it was Italy's attacking set-pieces that took the game away from themselves.

Holland's second goal should be remembered as one of the great Euro goals, as Van Bronckhorst (Man of the Match) firstly clears the ball off the line, then sprints the length of the field to receive the ball in space, have the awareness to find Dirk Kuyt at the back post, who cooly nods the ball down to the impressive Wesley Sneijder to poke the ball past Gianluigi Buffon. Breathtaking football.

The final nail in the coffin, Pirlo's excellent free-kick is neatly pushed away by Van de Sar, and Holland are away again, and the move could have been finished a couple of times before Van Bronckhorst (Man of the Match) heads the ball over the line. On another day those chances both go in for Italy, but yesterday Holland took their chances when they came.

Are Holland good enough to go all the way? Perhaps. Let's not forget that van Persie and Robben are both currently unfit. However the Dutch defence does lack a certain solidarity, and I expect them to concede goals later on in the competition. As for Italy, it's all well and good playing Gattuso and Pirlo together in midfield when Kaka' is with them, but Ambrosini is not the desired third party. They need to shake up their system because Luca Toni can not do it all on his own.