After the match…

After the match, Holland and France engaged in a horse-back riding race. Team Holland won again!

Johan Cruijff couldn’t believe it. “Seven goals against Italy and France… If someone predicted this before hand, I’d have him committed.”

During half time, JC was worried. The Oranje team allowed too much space and played in a too low pace. “Kuyt did so well to score that 1-0. He clawed himself a way around Malouda and did everything right. Dirk Kuyt has proved his value to this team. Top class. After that, we played too risky and in a too low pace. The French machine started to rev up and if it wasn’t for Van der Sar’s brilliant form, we’d be in trouble.”

But after the match, he couldn’t find enough words to compliment the team. “when this team gets in trouble, they fight themselves back into the game. Boulahrouz number one, Nigel de Jong follows suit and before you know, all eleven are in. This defense did so well in the last two games. But the exceptional qualities are up front. Whenever the opponent scores or becomes dangerous, we hit back. That is extreme.”

The two players who gloated most in the dressing room were Robin and Robben. Both came on as subs, both players scored. Van Persie: “I have been away for so long and the way back was tough, but I dreamed about this and I actually never truly expected something like this to actually happen.”

Robben: “Saturday I was distraught. I immediately told myself to stop being a cry-baby and work. I did two three-hour blocks per day with the medical staff and thanks to them I could play.”

Robben also praised his team mates. “I had utmost support from all the players. This is not a football selection, this is a family. It’s a joy to be part of this. I am honoured.”

The so-called arithmeticians immediately made the scenario’s for this group clear. We could allow Romania to move on with us and by doing that we would exit France and Italy altogether. In this way, we can avoid playing one of these nations in the semi finals. Dirk Kuyt: “I don’t want to think that way. For one, we are not yet qualified for the semis. Secondly, we want to take our responsibilities as sportsmen. Fair play is important too. And don’t think for a second that Romania will be easier than France or Italy.”