If you have yet to clue into the fact that Euro 2004 is one of the greatest sporting events available on the TV in Canada, well I feel badly for ya. Last night's game (tape delay on TSN) between Holland and the Czechs was one of the best games played in decades. I have a soft spots for the Dutch having lived there in 1986. Edgar Davids, of the dreadlock pony tail and the wrap around Bonos, proved himself to be one amazing player at centre mid-field (and it was the biggest mid-field I have ever seen) even as the Dutch lost 3-2 after being up early 2-0. I was unaware of the existence of Seedorf due to the lack of Dutch and Italian league coverage on my cable TV selection...and I even found a soft spot for Ruud - illustrated above after being sooooooo offside but ok apparently under the new rules. Best of all, by hiding at the Toronto Zoo all day with all the first cousins and keeping the radio off CBC and am sports radio, I actually avoided knowing the respult for that game as well as the surprising 0-0 tie between Germany and Latvia. Latvia! They have Adidas shirts that are apparently a wee bit too red - the red thing being a sensative point with them.
Today Russia and Greece with Greece to slip through as a surprise and then Spain v. Portugal with the winner to carry on and the loser to go home...with some fine points on other outcome possibilities explained here.
Comments
alfons - June 20, 2004 1:48 PM
Davids was the only one playing a good game: Agressive, intercepting in the midfield.
As Cruyff said after the game, the Dutch team had no problem switching from going defensive to attacking, but it had the other way around. Notable bad performances: Cocu, Van Bronckhorst and Bouma.
Also the decision of Advocaat to change Robben for a more defensive midfielder, Bosveldt, was debatable.
But it was indeed one of the more exciting games of Euro 2004.
Alan - June 20, 2004 1:59 PM
Agreed on Van Bronckhost - no wonder Arsenal let him go. But Robbens played well until he was inexplicably pulled. But, you know, I think Ruud played his game well. He reminds me of the 1960's and 70's Boston Bruin centre Phil Esposito, a gatherer-up of loose pucks, a nag, an advantage taker. <p>It looks good for a Dutch #2 in Group D. They have a very good chance at beating Latvia and Germany will be hard pressed against the Czechs. I don't know who to back this afternoon between Spain and Portugal. I think I am for the home team as we have a large population in Canada, they are the home team, the smaller country and they make the best dessert wine in the world.
Arthur - June 20, 2004 9:08 PM
It looks good for a Dutch #2 in Group D. They have a very good chance at beating Latvia and Germany will be hard pressed against the Czechs.
The only thing the players are worried about is that the Czechs will not do their jobs against Germany (intentional or unintentional), just because they've already made it to the Quarter Finals.
Alan - June 20, 2004 9:10 PM
Yea...but against Germany there might be a point of pride.
Arthur - June 20, 2004 9:43 PM
Yea...but against Germany there might be a point of pride.
Good point. For now, lets hope they just do their jobs. And lets hope the Dutch team picks up some inspiration for their last game too.
Alan - June 20, 2004 10:15 PM
Portugal v. Spain was good as well. Not as lovely but Portugal showed some patience and control. Figo may rise to the occassion now - he certainly showed flashes. Whoever comes #2 in Group B has a touch draw.
Arthur - June 21, 2004 8:37 AM
Portugal v. Spain was good as well.
Saw only fragments of Russia-Greece. I'm only surprised to see the Greeks make it to the quarters. What a world.