From goal to goal in 17 seconds

June 11th, 2008 | by: Jan |

Dirk Kuyt watched the 2-0 against Italy on the ITV monitor right after the match. The British broadcaster picked this goal to highlight because they immediately recognized the magic.
There were only 17 seconds between the clearance on the Oranje goal line and the Sneijder score.

Kuyt: “I have never been involved in a goal more special, this is a career-high.”

The remarkable thing is that Kuyt was posted on the Oranje goal line as well, when the Italians took their corner kick. Gio guarded the far post, Dirk the near. In 17 seconds, the former Feyenoord striker ran to the other box and had the vision and concentration to assist Sneijder pitch-perfect.”

This wonderful goal showed the new weapon Oranje has developed: the turnaround. We saw a successful execution against Denmark (another wonder-goal) and Wales and in February against Croatia. The Dutch players feel they now have two lethal styles of football to play: the traditional pass and move game and the lethal turnaround.

Johan Cruyff repeated his worries about the 4-2-3-1 system though. “I know it works wonders when you play an opponent that leaves you space to work in, like the Italians did. Same with Spain, their goals all came from similar turnaround moments. When you score first, you are in the drivers’ seat. All good. But if your opponent scores first, then what? Against France for instance, or Romania, you will need to keep the field wide. And you need more individual dribbling skills to create the man-more situations. I can see Oranje play well with this system, but once the opponent keeps the field small or when they score first, I advice Marco to change the system back and bring Robben, Van Persie or Afellay on the flanks to take on the defense.”

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Comments

By Michel-Olivier | June 11th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

why bring Robben, Van Persie or Afellay on the flanks to take on the defense?
we have to beat the french through the middle not the wings. if we can get a draw its a good result.

Posted from United States

By Mario Rosado (Dutch admirer) | June 11th, 2008 at 6:05 pm

It’s a good analysis by Kuyt in my opinion. Those substitutions would be very good and we could attack from the middle but also have the option to have one on one situations with Robben or Afellay.

We have to take care of Ribery and Malouda they are two very good players and our left and right backs must be very focused. I hope Boulahrouz doesn’t play as right back ’cause he always finds it hard against these type of players.

By sphinx | June 11th, 2008 at 7:32 pm

turn around or counter-attack whatever you call: that the most effective way to socre. Dirk pointed out the fact that opportunity last only seconds during the opponents are out balanced and yet to regroup.
that’s the real moment to react by speed, skill, precision and ofcourse quick respond instinct. That’s the game of the day and all top teams are applying well.
orange has deliverd that and need a redainess defend that play at the times we loose opportuniy too.

Posted from Australia

By richard | June 11th, 2008 at 8:02 pm

I watch the long buildups–and while extended possession is a nice thing, it almost never results in a goal because the defenders are back and massed and it takes absolute brilliance to get through. In counterattacks you have space and the skilled players have room to operate in the open field–that’s why the Holland second goal sent a jolt of electricity through all of Europe. This is what everyone want to see and it’s good for the sport–not playing cautiously with your defense. I was happy to see that van Basten called Kuyt’s play “tremendous”–he was my man of the match. Let’s hope that every game that Holland gets the first goal!

By Jan | June 11th, 2008 at 9:04 pm

It’s true that counter attacking is “easier” to outplay the defense but when France scores first, they won’t allow a lot of countering. Still, we need the skills – and we have them – to outplay them in the traditional way. A 1-2 combination, taking opponents on in a 1-to-1 situation and/or wide play with crosses into the box. We’ve been there, done that and should be able to do it again, no matter how hard it is.

Posted from Australia

By Prabal Rakshit | June 11th, 2008 at 9:49 pm

To an extent JC’s comments on France make sense. They too play close to 4-2-3-1. With a central defence of Thuram and Gallas, preceded by the deadly midfield duo of Vieira and Makelele, it is not that easy to penetrate their defensive shield. Someone like Robben or Afellay might just be the answer to stretching the full backs Sagnol and Abidal.

Counter attacking surely allows you to stun the opposition and take advantage of open spaces. But after the first match, I do not think France would have missed this. So the tried and tested method of building possession with tremendous pace can still be the best way out.

Another thing, Benzema could not live up to his reputation, but his replacement the legendary Thierry Henry even on an off day can be a handful for our defence. I wonder why not many have referred to the fact that Ooijer and Mathijsen can be outrun by some focussed attacking, something which Toni sorely lacked.

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