With the Netherlands securing their spot in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 with an impressive 4-1 display over France, that literally had me jumping out of my seat, I just want to point out why I think they're being so successful thus far in this competition.
Attitude
Wesley Sneijder declared before this game that he and his teammates are afraid of no one and you can vividly see it. These players really want this cup, you see it in their attitude on the pitch ,they never look like loosing and they play at a high energy level especially on their fast-breaks.
Chemistry
With Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robben and Sneijder all playing at Madrid, it is clear that this team has an upper hand in terms of knowing each other very well. You can see how easily they play as a unit and definitely playing with each other at the same club is a big factor in competitions like this one, where teams are comprised of players who play in various leagues.
Raw Talent
Just take a look at Sneijder's screamer in the top V, Robben's fantastic left footed strike, which he scored even while Gallas was closing his space, Van Nistelrooy's incredible ability where if he isn't scoring he's providing, and also with the likes of Van Persie and Van der Vaart. Clearly the Dutch aren't short of raw talent, this team oozes it through their pores.
Good Management
I know many people question Marco Van Basten's ways and tactics, but clearly he has the formula for winning. Italy blamed their lost on the poor tactics of their manager, never giving the Dutch credit for the way they played, but they proved today that Italy's beat-down was no fluke. Van Basten's tactics and decisions may be questionable to some, but let's face it, he's Dutch, and the Dutch produce good managers.
After seeing the Netherlands destroy two heavyweights in this competition, I definitely see them going all the way to the final. Let's wait and see if my prediction holds true.
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