Total Football

Group C, the group of death! Or so it was called before Euro kicked off. Both World Cup finalists, Holland and Romania (who finished on top of Holland after the qualifiers). Most people said that Italy and France would make it to the group stages. Well, it seemed most likely. After all, look at the squad that both the teams have. France has the likes of Henry, Vieira, Flamini, Makelele, Nasri, Benzema etc and Italy have Del Piero, Cassano, Luca Toni, Pirlo and the lot.

However, the Dutch have stolen the spotlight in this group. They have already made their way to the group stages by beating both the World Champions and the Runners Up. Not by a margin of 1-0, or 2-1, but thumping victories that took both these teams to the sword! The Orange Army beat Italy 3-0 and France 4-1.

Holland versus Italy was dubbed as the perfect Attack V/S Defence game. Contradictory to modern football, Attack won. With ease.

It was counter attacking football to the core. It was a brilliant breakaway, some brilliant movement by the Dutch, the quick legs of people like Sneijder and Van der Vaart and some good covering up work by the likes of Engelaar and De Jong (who?)

The first goal that the Oranje scored seemed to be covered in controversy. I do not wish to comment on it, but all I can say is that the referee called on side, and so did FIFA. Now we put that matter to rest. But birthday boy Sneijder scored a superb goal. He put it in through virtually NOTHING, and that too against Buffon!

The Dutch are a brilliant attacking force, it isnt funny! Rafael Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Kuyt and look at who comes off the bench, Robben and Robin Van Persie, Huntelaar (if you want a Ruud Van Nistelrooy type player up front).

Not to mention Van Nistelrooy, who has really mastered the lone striker role. It isnt all about the goals anymore for Van Nistelrooy, though of course, he will score from his regular tap ins and we saw against Italy, but he's matured as a player.

Much has been said about Spain's 4-1 victory against Russia, but you must look at it logically. Spain beat Russia 4-1, and beat Sweden 2-1, whereas Holland beat ITALY 3-0 and FRANCE 4-1!

Dutch Masterclass, and the Mastermind behind it is Marco Van Basten.

Go Orange!