On Tuesday Germany laid down a marker at Euro 2012 by completely outplaying Netherlands and in the process became tournament favourites. While Netherlands look likely to be boarding an early plane on Monday morning after two defeats.
Germany started the game with no less than seven Bayern Munich players including the inform Mario Gomez who showed why he is wanted by all the best clubs in Europe by scoring two well taken first-half goals (24 & 38 mins), both assists were deft passes by Bayern team-mate and playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Holland started well in a match they needed to win to boost their chance of progressing to the quarter-finals. But Robin van Persie wasted a couple of half-chances including a great through ball from captain Marc van Bommel that split the German defence, only for van Persie to poke a leg at the ball instead of shoot.
After wasting 28 shots in their first game against Denmark, Netherlands had 12 shots on goal, five of which were on target, but only one goal. German, who had less possession (49%) were solid and methodical as all good German sides are. They had 11 shots, 5 on target and two goals.
Arjen Robben showed decent by walking around the pitch rather than across to the bench when he was substituted in the 83rd minute to make way for Dirk Kuyt. This was the final Dutch substitution after Huntelaar & van der Vaart replaced Afellay & van Bommell and half-time.
Robin van Persie’s second half goal (73 mins) probably isn’t going to be enough to curb criticism of his overall performance; and I would be surprised if he wasn’t replaced by to start against Portugal on Sunday. A game Netherlands need to win if they are going to stand any chance of staying in the tournament.
