HOLLAND 2 - Czech Republic 3

Poborsky not marking Bouma, leaving Bouma free to head in at the far post for the first goal. Davids giving an excellent through ball to Robben who then passed to vNistelrooy for an easy tap in. 2-0. Cocu makes a mistake and gives the ball to Baros, who was stopped by Stam but still managed to give the ball to Koller. 2-1. Ruud van Nistelrooy being held down with force in the box but the referee not giving anything. The referee was bad for both teams.

Half time.

Then Dick Advocaat made a change that truly shows he is (a) Dick. Robben out, Bosvelt in. In any case, NEVER take out the best player on the pitch. And even if it was to prevent injury, change it with someone who can give the same menace, not a defensive player. The Czechs took initiative and by the 88th minute Holland is down 2-3. Heitinga got a second yellow card for a foul which was nothing. Stupid referee. Now Holland's fate depends on Germany. Thank you Dick!!!

And then Dick goes on saying that the change was unfortunate, but the loss was because of missed chances. Had Robben been in there or another player who can run the defense mad (Overmars, van der Vaart, Zenden, Sneijder, van Hooijdonk, Makaay) then Holland would have more chances and maybe create something. Simple rule in football: the more you try the more chances you get to getting a goal. When you stop trying you won't get a goal.

At least Germany couldn't do anything against Latvia. 22 shots on goal and not one of them threathening enough.

Oh yeah, nice goal from Ibrahimovic to show Vieri how it's supposed to be done in the 1-1 draw between Sweden and Italy. And the Bulgarians going home courtesy of a 2-0 loss against Denmark