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Preview: NED vs. POR

June 25th, 2006 | By: Mike | 5 Comments »

Well here we are. I’ve read in a few places that the Dutch should be pleased with what they’ve accomplished given Marco van Basten’s conservative goals for this tournament. The Dutch aren’t supposed to do well and this is really only a way of giving experience to a team who is expected to challenge for the major trophies in the next six years.

I say, “Come ON!!” Do we have a right to expect the best effort possible? Yes. Are we wrong in believing that the Dutch have the potential to go far, maybe even all the way to the end? No. People who say, “Just be happy with what we’ve seen so far” are trying to insulate themselves and have no faith in the team. We might lose but as long as the best effort is given we can move forward and build for the future.

It will be important for the Dutch to control the match early on. Not just for their nerves but for mine. Ronaldo can be stopped. No nonsense defending is the key to him. Don’t give him an inch or else he’ll take that inch and punish you by taking a foot. The youthful side of the Dutch will work well to keep a hold on Figo who, while enjoying recent good form, is still an aging star. If you put each individual Portuguese player next to his Dutch counterpart you begin to see that they are two potentially very evenly matched teams.

As hard as I try I cannot put my finger on the likely deciding factor for the Dutch. Scolari said in an interview that he expected the difference to be only one goal and I agree. It will be tight, make no mistake. It will be a foolish person who gets up for a pee during this match. Wait for half-time, you won’t want to miss a second of this match.

Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, Netherlands, Portugal

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Comments

By Luis | June 25th, 2006 at 8:48 am

Mike - a great game it will be. Pee? Hah, that’s if I make it to half time. I may have a heart attack before then.

Figo has no weaknesses, right now. He is fit and every time you think you have him figured out, he shows up somewhere else to hurt you. To beat Figo, you have to out think him not out run him. Good luck tomorrow. May the best team win.

Forca Portugal!

Posted from United States

By Jan | June 25th, 2006 at 9:04 am

I think our saviour will be either Kuyt (if he plays), Vaart or Persie. I feel Robben will be marked severely but then creating space for others. My crystal ball says we’ll make it, but it will be a heroic win with 2 red cards. And van Basten will wear something less dull, this time.

Posted from Australia

By Rami | June 25th, 2006 at 10:14 am

My expectations are mainly on Van der Vaart. He is the only one in the dutch squad who still hasn’t showed what he could do .. Alongside, I believe also, Van Nistelrooy. Both of them will be big in this match.

If we have a Good game, and score goals, I expect it to be 2-1 win for us , or maybe a 1-0 win.. Not more.

The ideal scenario for me would be portugal scoring first and then we bombard them for the remainder of the game. I hope van the man will score the second goal late in the second half. He steps in and proves his worth, to everyone who doubts him.

In case we play Bad, well anything then is possible. We could lose by 3 goal difference or maybe win through penalties..

Go Gung Ho Oranje !!

Posted from Russian Federation

By __earth | June 25th, 2006 at 4:25 pm

All I want to say is, HUP HOLLAND HUP!

Posted from Malaysia

By --H | June 25th, 2006 at 5:54 pm

“Just be happy with what we’ve seen so far”
—

That will be a comment from someone who thinks they love football (or a team) but not actually so.

If someone is a fan of the powerhouses: Oranje, England, Brazil, Germany, Argentina and the likes; there is no “happiness” unless their team lift the trophy.

MvB might have coyly said “our team is young and we’re not the favorite this year, wait until Euro 2008″ that was just a psychological statement. Every Dutch or real Oranje fan always BELIEVES and HAS FAITH that our beloved Oranje will lift the trophy everytime they are in the WC or Euro.

@Jan: I actually think MvB’s white shirt is the coolest among all coaches (of course, I also think he is the coolest coach anyway) even Klinsmann is copying MvB’s style. I’d love to see him wearing the same style of shirt in Oranje.

GO ORANJE!

Posted from United States

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