The Netherlands have been killing it in the Group of Death, Group C. Fresh from their thrilling 3-0 victory over world champions Italy, the Dutch continued their sizzling form by thrashing World Cup finalists France 4-1. After an early goal by Dirk Kuyt, France passed up several chances to level the score. They were punished when Robin van Persie scored following a great cross by Arjen Robben, but then France pulled a goal back when Thierry Henry deflty glanced a Sagnol cross into the net. But within one minute, just when it looked like France might set up an exciting finish, the Dutch restored their two-goal advantage thanks to a wonderful solo strike from Robben. Wesley Sneijder put the icing on the cake in injury-time with a gorgeous 20 yard dipper that hit the crossbar on its way into the net. After two games against both World Cup finalists, the Netherlands have scored seven goals, won both games comfortably, and already won the group. They look unstoppable.
In the other Group C game, Italy were very nearly eliminated from the competition by a determined Romanian side, but the score finished 1-1, meaning both sides still have a chance of following Holland into the next round. A perfectly good Luca Toni goal was wrongly disallowed just before half-time before Romania took a shock lead when Adrian Mutu took advantage of a Zambrotta mistake to rifle the ball into the roof of Buffon's net. Italy were level just a few minutes later thanks to a tap-in from Panucci, but then the referee shocked everyone by giving Romania a very soft penalty. Mutu struck it hard, but Buffon kept it out with a combination of his right hand and right foot. If Romania can defeat the Dutch, they will qualify in second place, sending both World Cup finalists out. Otherwise, whoever wins the match between Italy and France will join the Netherlands in the Last 8.
In Group A, Portugal looked good again in defeating the Czech Republic 3-1. An early goal from the mercurial Deco was soon cancelled out by a great diving header from Czech winger Libor Sionko, who was excellent throughout. But in the second half, Deco set up Cristiano Ronaldo to drill home his first goal of the tournament. As the Czechs piled forward in search of an equaliser, an injury-time breakaway by Ronaldo earned Portugal their third goal, the Manchester United winger unselfishly setting up Quaresma to score into an empty net.
Article comments