Holland had nothing to lose ( there’s always an added incentive to beat the world champs) and played loose and as a unit. They weaved around in typical Dutch fashion and never looked back. The defense stood tall and keeper Van der Saar was outstanding as usual.
It’s not all that bad for Italy. Its offense was actually more functional than France.
Group D
Spain 4 Russia 1
Surprise factor: 0
The Spanish looked smooth as ever and Torres showed a mythical footballing sense that was engaging. Funny I would single him out after Villa’s brilliant hat trick but it’s just something I noticed. Spain comes out of the block firing on all cylinders (like usual). Can they keep this up? Spain’s troubles are rarely in group play; it’s in the critical stages of the knockout rounds. The defense looks shaky but the midfield and attack are pure brilliance.
Russia wasn’t that bad but Hiddink wasn’t realistic either. He didn’t put Russia in the best position to try and prudently earn a point. He wanted to play “attractive” soccer and lost. It baffles considering that the Russians could have saved this style for Sweden and Greece. Russia did stretch the Spanish back line with nifty passing plays but they were dreaming if they were going to play run and gun with Spain. And they paid dearly for it.
Sweden 2 Greece 0
Surprise factor: 5
No one should be surprised by this result. Sweden is an organized, talented side. And if Ibrahimovich builds on his play in the first game, Sweden could move into a dark horse position. He can be that dominant.
Welcome to my nightmare, Greece. It seems like they were trying to replicate the model from 2004 but they stuck to it a little too much. Sweden cracked through and Greece could never answer back.
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