Czech Republic 3 Holland 2
Czech Republic 3 Holland 2
Commentary by J.Chiam
Playing at Portuguese local time of 7.45pm, it is clear that the weather and time has managed notch up the tempo of the game, if comparing other games that are played at 5.45pm. Fans were treated to a rare display of open, attacking play by both sides, where the final score says it all. The stadium is divided into two sides, the first half covered by a sea of orange, the other white. The stakes were high, and it is quite obvious looking at the starting line-up, both teams are showing no mercy to their opponents in terms of attacking.
Both teams kicked off explosively, firing all cylinders from the first blow of the whistle. Both teams have very different strengths, with the Dutch relying on the predatory skills of Van Nistelrooy and the speed of winger Arjen Robben. The Czechs however have a unique strength. Standing 6 ft 8 inches tall, the tallest player in the tournament, there is their striker, Jan Koller. And of course there is their inspirational captain, Czech Republic Player of the Year for a few consecutive years, their Juventus star player, winger Pavel Nedved. Known for a having a venomous shot from long range, and an intelligent play-maker, it is not a surprise that the manager has made him their captain. Not to mention Czech also have their veteran winger, former Manchester United player Karel Poborsky.
Holland started with Inter-Milan forward Clarence Seedorf, replacing Van der Vaat from the previous games. Holland went forward with 2 goals in a space of few minutes, taking the Czechs out of surprise. Relapsed in concentration from the Czech defence caused the 2 goals, but the Dutch are not perfect either, a bad pass and mistake from Giovanni Van Bronkhrost made way for the Czech to score a goal, giving and injecting some confidence to them that they might actually still save the game before half time.
After half time came a masterstroke by Czech Republic manager, Bruckner, introducing Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer, to enhance the midfield and provide more attacking options. Holland however did not just sit back and defend, in fact opt to attack whenever given a chance to. With the statistics of 14 shots on goal, it is evident Holland were keeping Czech keeper Petr Cech’s gloves warm. Though the Dutch had so many chances, they failed to get the ball into the back of the net, with “pitbull” Edgar Davids coming closest when hitting the post from long range. Which is probably one of the reasons the tide of the game started to turn.
Tireless and hardworking forward Milan Baros chased every ball, went for every challenge, and finally his effort payed off after a fine pass from Nedved to Koller, who chested down to Milan, who volleyed the ball all the way to top right corner of the goal, which made Holland keeper Edwin Van Der Sar looked like a kid trying to reach for durians on top a tree. During this time, the stadium has erupted into deafening cheers from all Czech supporters, desperately cheering their team on, believing that the final score is not over yet. At this moment, every Czech player were just happy to defend the ball, knowing that a draw is enough to secure them into the quarterfinals. Holland started to get desperate, attacking from all corners and from all sides. Ironically it is during this time that Holland manager Dick Advocaat chose to take out Arjen Robben, to introduce Paul Bosvelt, a move that were treated with jeers and boos from the crowd, yet still managed to provide a standing ovation for the Chelsea-bond player.
Advocaat’s plans seem to back-fire as Holland started to run out of ideas, and it is during this time that Czech were granted a bonus they are thanking their gods for. Czech, having soaked up all the preassure, and having almost all the Dutch players on their half of the pitch, attacked on the counter attack, and who else to slot in the winner other than substitute Vladimir Smicer.
The game is set. The Czech’s rejoice, having registered one of the greatest come backs in Euro Championship history. Not to mention, becoming the first country to enter the quarter finals. One of the reason of this come back, is the spirit of the Czech players. Having gone two goals down, they did not throw in the towel and just admit they were fooling themselves playing against the Great Orange. Determination and the passion to win drove them on, as they gave their all, going for every loose ball, protecting every possession. Holland having a two-goal advantage, took their opponents for granted, let their guard down, and now live to regret it.
Most importantly is their captain and leader Pavel Nedved, who continually drove and stir his players on with furious runs with the ball down the flank, and being in the thick of action for every attacking attempt they launch. The result is fair. The team with better determination, greater spirit won.
No longer has football become a sport where favorites are favorites to win. Unlike any other sport, the ball is round, so are the odds to win. Teams with less well-known players are making meats out of millionaire super stars. Teams that compromise of half-professionals, where some of them probably work as a security guards during weekdays, play football during weekends, can stand a chance to take on cup-winning teams.
Commentary by J.Chiam
Playing at Portuguese local time of 7.45pm, it is clear that the weather and time has managed notch up the tempo of the game, if comparing other games that are played at 5.45pm. Fans were treated to a rare display of open, attacking play by both sides, where the final score says it all. The stadium is divided into two sides, the first half covered by a sea of orange, the other white. The stakes were high, and it is quite obvious looking at the starting line-up, both teams are showing no mercy to their opponents in terms of attacking.
Both teams kicked off explosively, firing all cylinders from the first blow of the whistle. Both teams have very different strengths, with the Dutch relying on the predatory skills of Van Nistelrooy and the speed of winger Arjen Robben. The Czechs however have a unique strength. Standing 6 ft 8 inches tall, the tallest player in the tournament, there is their striker, Jan Koller. And of course there is their inspirational captain, Czech Republic Player of the Year for a few consecutive years, their Juventus star player, winger Pavel Nedved. Known for a having a venomous shot from long range, and an intelligent play-maker, it is not a surprise that the manager has made him their captain. Not to mention Czech also have their veteran winger, former Manchester United player Karel Poborsky.
Holland started with Inter-Milan forward Clarence Seedorf, replacing Van der Vaat from the previous games. Holland went forward with 2 goals in a space of few minutes, taking the Czechs out of surprise. Relapsed in concentration from the Czech defence caused the 2 goals, but the Dutch are not perfect either, a bad pass and mistake from Giovanni Van Bronkhrost made way for the Czech to score a goal, giving and injecting some confidence to them that they might actually still save the game before half time.
After half time came a masterstroke by Czech Republic manager, Bruckner, introducing Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer, to enhance the midfield and provide more attacking options. Holland however did not just sit back and defend, in fact opt to attack whenever given a chance to. With the statistics of 14 shots on goal, it is evident Holland were keeping Czech keeper Petr Cech’s gloves warm. Though the Dutch had so many chances, they failed to get the ball into the back of the net, with “pitbull” Edgar Davids coming closest when hitting the post from long range. Which is probably one of the reasons the tide of the game started to turn.
Tireless and hardworking forward Milan Baros chased every ball, went for every challenge, and finally his effort payed off after a fine pass from Nedved to Koller, who chested down to Milan, who volleyed the ball all the way to top right corner of the goal, which made Holland keeper Edwin Van Der Sar looked like a kid trying to reach for durians on top a tree. During this time, the stadium has erupted into deafening cheers from all Czech supporters, desperately cheering their team on, believing that the final score is not over yet. At this moment, every Czech player were just happy to defend the ball, knowing that a draw is enough to secure them into the quarterfinals. Holland started to get desperate, attacking from all corners and from all sides. Ironically it is during this time that Holland manager Dick Advocaat chose to take out Arjen Robben, to introduce Paul Bosvelt, a move that were treated with jeers and boos from the crowd, yet still managed to provide a standing ovation for the Chelsea-bond player.
Advocaat’s plans seem to back-fire as Holland started to run out of ideas, and it is during this time that Czech were granted a bonus they are thanking their gods for. Czech, having soaked up all the preassure, and having almost all the Dutch players on their half of the pitch, attacked on the counter attack, and who else to slot in the winner other than substitute Vladimir Smicer.
The game is set. The Czech’s rejoice, having registered one of the greatest come backs in Euro Championship history. Not to mention, becoming the first country to enter the quarter finals. One of the reason of this come back, is the spirit of the Czech players. Having gone two goals down, they did not throw in the towel and just admit they were fooling themselves playing against the Great Orange. Determination and the passion to win drove them on, as they gave their all, going for every loose ball, protecting every possession. Holland having a two-goal advantage, took their opponents for granted, let their guard down, and now live to regret it.
Most importantly is their captain and leader Pavel Nedved, who continually drove and stir his players on with furious runs with the ball down the flank, and being in the thick of action for every attacking attempt they launch. The result is fair. The team with better determination, greater spirit won.
No longer has football become a sport where favorites are favorites to win. Unlike any other sport, the ball is round, so are the odds to win. Teams with less well-known players are making meats out of millionaire super stars. Teams that compromise of half-professionals, where some of them probably work as a security guards during weekdays, play football during weekends, can stand a chance to take on cup-winning teams.
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