Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Rotterdam, June 16: The Netherlands might not beticking over smoothly in top gear just yet, but the way they steam-rollered through the second half of their 3-0 win over Denmark on Friday showed it is probably just a matter of time before they are.
Danish coach Bo Johansson said: “We know that we weren’t good enough – especially in the second half. We did not have enough power and when that is the case you forget to think. The Dutch were better and they proved it.”
But Denmark were certainly no pushovers and the match might have turned out differently had a fierce shot from Thomas Gravesen just before half-time gone in rather than graze the top of Edwin Van Der Sar’s crossbar.
But once Patrick Kluivert opened the scoring in the 57th minute after outstanding play by Davids and a penetrative run by Dennis Bergkamp deep into Danish territory, there was only going to be one winner.
Substitute Ronald de Boer was in the right place nine minutes later — unmarked at the far post — to lash in a low cross from Boudewijn Zenden to make it 2-0 — and end the match as a contest.
Zenden, who also had a superb game — epitomised by the way he chased the ball to stop it going into touch before crossing for De Boer’s goal — smacked the ball home himself to make it 3-0 after a selfess run and pass from Michael Reiziger in the 77th minute.
Denmark did not even have the solace of a consolation goal as Michael Schjonberg missed a penalty, firing wide in the 81st minute.
Afer 3-0 defeats to France and now the co-hosts, Denmark are eliminated along with the Czechs. They face each other in the match to avoid last place in Liege next Wednesday.
