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michiel
Moderator
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# Posted: 15 Jun 2004 13:44
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A tie, 1 - 1, no one can be really excited about that, though maybe us Dutchies can be glad that Ruud brought us back in the game.
It all started off more or less balanced, The Netherlands pushed in the first 10 minutes, but to me it seemed like that's only because Germany took that time to see what The Netherlands would try, to figure out how the Dutch team was playing. After that, and certainly after the German goal (massive defensive blunder on the Dutch part, imho) The Netherlands performed so poorly that I left until the 2nd half of the game started.
Nearly every forward pass either skimmed a German leg, or simply ended up at German feet. The Dutch team seemed to panic and not sure what to do. This more or less changed after Van Hooijdonk entered the game (joy, finally someone that can win a duel for an airborne forward pass), and once the Dutch equalizer was made the usually fragile but potentially powerful Dutch morale turned around and The Netherlands dominated the last few minutes. That just illustrates how weak their morale was, though. They're, I guess, simply not of the professional caliber that they can give 100% under all circumstances.
Van Hooijdonk, imho one of the best at free kicks in the world, landed two balls in the German walls at both occasions, which was unlucky on one side as even the excellent Kahn would have a lot of trouble with the quality of curve that Van Hooijdonk can deliver, but symbolic for how the Germans were playing the whole match: solid. A constant level of quality, solid play, being aware where your teammates are positioned. The Netherlands seemed to lack that for about 80 minutes.
All in all, I guess the outcome is fair, but it would not have been had The Netherlands not pushed as much as they did in the finale of the match. The equalizing goal wasn't deserved without the forward pressure that the Dutch team showcased after the goal had been made.
My final thoughts on the match: Damn that solid German wall, Van Hooijdonk woul have scored - possibly twice - without it. 
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babel
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jun 2004 14:00
Reply
I thought Germany, for all the limitations of their players, played effectively and efficiently as a team and for all their individually skilled players, the Dutch were disjointed. Van Hooijdonk made the difference and allowed Ruud to play to his potential; ie, give him a good chancve and he'll stick it away.
Sadly, I predict the Czech Republic and Germany to qualify from this group - I hope I'm wrong as I like watching the Dutch play.
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xemxija
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jun 2004 16:10
Reply
The germans always seem to come through when it's needed. No one can argue with their ability to play as a team, as individuals this year they don't really have many great players, but as a team, it works.
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xemxija
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jun 2004 16:16
Reply
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td><b>Quote</b> </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"><!--QuoteEBegin-->A tie, 1 - 1, no one can be really excited about that, though maybe us Dutchies can be glad that Ruud brought us back in the game.<br><!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--><br><br>You're wrong! Among us people who bet on a 1-1 tie, there's plenty of excitment going around. <!--emo&:P--><img src="http://www.outpost10f.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/ton.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':P'><!--endemo-->
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ajcardall
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jun 2004 23:03
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The German team didn't work agaisnt Hungary! 
The Netherlands, in my opinon, were lucky to get a draw today. Germany, for what I saw, were defending too well and it seemed as though the Dutch midfield players were 'hoofing and hoping', that is, just kicking the ball as far as they can. Nitselrooy had to play off of scraps until Hooijdonk came on.
Van Der Vaart was unlucky when his effort skimmed past the post! He looks good for a 20 year old!
The defending on the German free-kick which Worns (i think) scored was debatable, although it was silly freekick for Cocu to give away.
My predicitions: Holland and Czech to qualify.
Latvia to upset the Germans!
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xemxija
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jun 2004 23:45
Reply
You really shouldn't attach much weight to how the germans do during friendlies, they don't really take them seriously.
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fat_man
Member
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# Posted: 16 Jun 2004 03:18
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i'd like to point out that Van Hooijdonk is an ex celtic player  but the dutch coach is an ex rangers manager  So I had conflicing interests in who i wanted to win
Fatty
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