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Oranje ready for the Azzuri Showdown

June 9th, 2008 | By: Jan | 31 Comments »

San Marco and buddy Donadoni

The EC may have started already – some nations apparently played some matches already – but the EC is going to really start in about 11 hours. That is, for us. And for the Italians.

Two nations that will always consider themselves favorites for the title. In the Mother of all Groups of Death… With another nation that think they can win the title… And as fourth contender a nation that actually could be the dog that runs off with the bone.

Coz that’s the thing in this group. Even losing the first match still leaves opportunities to progress, since one can expect the others to lose points as well… So, Italy doesn’t have to despair.

Italy thinks it can win this. And since they’re the reigning World Champs, they have every right to think so. Their pedigree is without question. The Azzuri boys have won a lot already in their history. But…that’s all history. Their runners-up position in the Euro2000 was more despite themselves than thanks to themselves… The victory two years ago came a bit cheap too. But… No crying over spilled milk, I’m sure the Socceroos will have their revenge one day…

Winning titles with diving and destructive play is still winning…

Let’s look at Oranje’s pedigree. Too much “should have could haves”… Twice Runners up in the WC, one EC win (but yes, some time back) and then some defeats that actually were somebody elses fault… Yeah, right.

We seem to be very confident with ourselves – and based on our talent, rightly so – but it’s time we grab some silverware again.

I am confident, this time. Robben and Van Persie aren’t there to guide the team, supersub Ryan Babel is focusing on the Olympics now… Fine! We’ll deal with it. Oranje is the underdog this time, and we all know the Italians don’t like to be the favorites. They like to come from behind, so to speak. Now, a victory for Italy will be called “normal”, a draw would be a “disappointment” and a loss would be “devastating” and a “disgrace”. I can see the headlines in Italy already.

Apparently, Donadoni – Italy’s team manager – said the Italians will play offensively this time around. That type of discussion doesn’t exist in Holland. We will play like we play. Like we always play. We will succeed and over-power our opponent, or we’ll go down in flames. With pride.

Interested to see how the Italians will cope with the pressure and the expectations. At least their bloggers are confident.

Oranje may miss some key-players, Italy has lost two favorite sons as well. Skipper Cannavaro is out and Panucci is also not really ready for this one. Two defensive big guns out for them, two brilliant strikers out for us. Seems to be in balance.

This match will be won or lost in midfield. That’s a cert for me. Master Architect Pirlo and workhorse Gattuso will play decisive roles for Italy, against our creative ballet-dancers Van der Vaart and Sneijder coupled with breakers De Zeeuw and Engelaar. The game may well be between buddies Donadoni and Van Basten and their tactical decisions.

And with all their flair, gusto and power, Italy is strongly depended on Pirlo. If he has his day (which he hasn’t as yet this season), the renaissance man can do wonders for the team. Sensitive, intelligent, gracefully… If he doesn’t, Gattuso, Materazzi or Di Natale certainly won’t be able to.

Holland, on the other hand, has a more “networked” brain. Heitinga, Engelaar, Afellay, Sneijder, Van der Vaart…any of these players is able to give the killer through pass to allow Van Nistelrooy to do what he’s best at.

Italy’s projected line-up:

Buffon;
Panucci, Materazzi, Barzagli, Zambro;
Gattuso, Pirlo, De Rossi;
Camoranesi, Toni, Di Natale.

Holland’s projected line-up

Van der Sar;
Melchiot, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Gio;
De Zeeuw, Engelaar;
Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Afellay;
Van Nistelrooy

My prediction:

The France – Romania result will have its effect on our game against Italy. Whether you want it or not. But I won’t go into the different scenarios there (I already predicted that France will lose!).
This first match between Holland and Italy will be a slow, tight, nail-biter void of good football. The pace will be low and based on some nifty footwork by Holland, the game will be decided in a couple of moments. Remember the Denmark goal? Something like that… I expect Van Nistelrooy to be first on the score-sheet, after one of those razorsharp attacks, with Sneijder scoring a second from a set-piece. Why not? Italy will push forward and will be rewarded with a consolation goal, Luca Toni… Again, why not? But Afellay will present himself to the world with a beauty late in the second half.

Holland – Italy, 3-1.

Let’s watch this again. Not to get all frustrated, but to motivate ourselves to set things straight.

Tags: Donadoni, Euro 2008, Holland, Oranje, Robben, Van Basten, van der Sar

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 31 comments.

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By jasperaldo (ASR) | June 9th, 2008 at 5:10 am

great blog, altough i must say the italian blog by Chris is also great.
It will be a good match, but i really doubt mathijsen can hold Di Natale and Toni.

Living in Holland but being a Romanista, I support Oranje but if i put my money on it i will put it on the Italians.

By Jan | June 9th, 2008 at 5:20 am

Hoi Jan,
so is van Persie available or not?
Furthermore yesterday on Italian tv they put Engelaar and De Jong behind van der Vaart and Sneijder while you put de Zeeuw. Any idea why they did that?

And last but not least I don’t want to see that video! I still remember that day, I went to a local restaurant with my Oranje shirt on and had to leave asap after the penalties. Bad, bad memories.

Anyways most of my friends here are Italians and they’re all saying Italy will crush Holland, I really hope the opposite happens. A nice 3-0 would be excellent!

Posted from Italy

By Warouw | June 9th, 2008 at 5:21 am

Agree with Felix 4-4-2 with 2 strikers (Van Nitelrooy & Huntelaar)

By Jan | June 9th, 2008 at 5:30 am

Don’t ask me about line ups… I can’t watch any training footage or pre-match stuff. Goose is the best source. If he says Boulah and Robin will play I believe him. De Jong is an option. Marco is a fan of his and De Zeeuw didn’t impress recently. De Jong did well in his 45 minutes and trained well.

Robin is fit, but not “match fit” meaning he can’t do 90 minutes. If Robben was fit, Robin would have started but I can imagine Marco taking a chance. If Robin can play 45 minutes he can bring Afellay and when Robben gets back the two can play a half each. Pretty nifty.

Posted from Australia

By Jan | June 9th, 2008 at 5:36 am

Hi Jasperaldo, I do agree. The Italian blog is very good too… I must confess.

Posted from Australia

By Carlos | June 9th, 2008 at 6:02 am

Guys just saw a possible line up like this…

Boula Ooier Mathijsen VBronckhorst
——-de Jong — Engelaar

Sneijder vd Vaart Affelay
RVN

Strange no Heitinga ?

Well let’s see…..

Hup Holland Hup !!!

Posted from Singapore

By bobotoh | June 9th, 2008 at 6:09 am

It’s funny that there’s no Heitinga in the possible line-up. Maybe Holland should play Bouma instead of Mathisjen. I am still waiting the latest news of possible line-up.

Posted from Indonesia

By Rob | June 9th, 2008 at 6:13 am

If Boulah starts right back and Heitinga doesn’t play I will actually hang myself with my Sneijder jersey. I think De Jong will start. No idea about defence but Heitinga will play. I guess Affelay was the trump card Van Basten was talking about.

Posted from Japan

By Jan | June 9th, 2008 at 6:14 am

I can’t imagine Marco not playing Heitinga.

Heitinga Boulah Bouma Gio

That could work.

Posted from Australia

By Carlos | June 9th, 2008 at 6:29 am

Well here’s the telegraaf “spies” who watched the training….

http://www.telesport.nl/voetbal/ek_2008/4189825/_Vermoedelijke_opstelling_Oranje__.html

Posted from Singapore

By Rob | June 9th, 2008 at 6:47 am

Hopefully Melchiot and Heitinga were being rested and are all ready to replace Boulah and Mathijsen. I’d be quite happy with the team then.

Posted from Japan

By richard | June 9th, 2008 at 8:09 am

This first game is massively important, as it always is in every tournament–and double so with this group. A win is crucial. Positive thoughts!

Posted from United States

By ferenc | June 9th, 2008 at 8:32 am

i have my 2006 oranje sgirt on me and waiting for tonight clash. roemania-france 1-1, oranje-cat-eaters 2-1

Posted from Hungary

By finnster01 | June 9th, 2008 at 8:54 am

Just about to quietly disappear from the office in approx 1 hour and 59 mins, turn the mobile phone to the “off” position, change my signature file on my office email for the day to say New Amsterdam instead of New York, run quietly into the mensroom and escape from my suit and reappear as “Oranje-Man”!!

Then it is a new world record attempt running a short sprint down the street to the pub and catch a good seat. Hopefully my Irish bartender, Declan, has reserved me the pole position and a nice cold pint of beer sitting there, if not, his tips will take a big hit and he knows it. Mind you, I wouldn’t mind mixing it up a bit with some snotty French guy working for SocGen and demand my chair back. After all, I used it yesterday so it’s only fair. Just love the timing of this here in New York (sorry, New Amsterdam). First game is on at noon, second comes on at 2:45pm. Couldn’t have been better, although obviously no work will be done for three weeks, but that is a problem for another day.

Hup Holland Hup!!!!!

Posted from United States

By finnster01 | June 9th, 2008 at 9:19 am

While we all wait, bored to bits, and some of the posters need some cheering up, and in honour of our German friends after yesterdays fine display, I suggest you all take a look at this link. You will throughly enjoy it (unless you are a Chelsea fan…)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Jz3yLkHHpKs

Posted from United States

By pim | June 9th, 2008 at 9:22 am

i am nervous… i would take a draw with open arms… hup holland…

Posted from Canada

By AJ | June 9th, 2008 at 10:07 am

Good luck Oranje! I have money bet on you guys to win, do not disappoint.

Posted from Canada

By matt | June 9th, 2008 at 10:24 am

i hope you’re wrong about the pace of the game, jan. i wonder if italy will actually attack like they’re saying…it’s definitely in their interest. if they do that will really open things up for alot of beautiful play. i think the pace will definitely be set by the italians, with the dutch (i want you guys or spain to win the whole thing! ) trying to unlock them w/ nice counters and hopefully some possession spurts. good luck to the oranje today…they’ll need it.

Posted from United States

By Caleb | June 9th, 2008 at 10:40 am

finnster – Hilarious video! I enjoyed that. Helps to pass the time while I wait anxiously…

Posted from Canada

By aj | June 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am

hup holland…teach the italians some football

Posted from India

By Carlos | June 9th, 2008 at 11:27 am

Well I guess you all know the line up now ?

Boula Ooier Mathijsen VBronck
de Jong Engelaar
KUYT Sneider vdVaart
RVN

Think Marco wants to tire them out and hold them before bringing on Affelay and v Persie

Go Oranje !!!

Posted from Singapore

By Fluffy | June 9th, 2008 at 11:55 am

Oh, the big night is here. Well, the first, and yet a real nerve-wrecking one.
Here I am, orange tee-shirt clad, jumping in anxiousness… We gotta do this. We WILL do this.
ORANJE for life!!!

By skeeter | June 9th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

3-1 HOLLAND????? YOU ARE OUT TO LUNCH!

Posted from Canada

By matt | June 9th, 2008 at 3:30 pm

BLOODBATH.

wow. what a game by the dutch.

Posted from United States

By Stanley Lejuez | June 9th, 2008 at 4:00 pm

We showed those Italians he we had spageti for lunch hahahaha the first 3 goals in this EURO CUP the lion is lose watch out

Posted from Aruba