</line> <line count="2" minutes="Get in touch:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Feel free to air your opinions throughout proceedings, you can contact me direct on Chris.Burton@bskyb.com or alternatively use the feedback link in the Score Centre. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="3" minutes="" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ How do you see the game panning out? France were far from impressive against Romania and desperately need to find some form if they are going to make an impact on the tournament. In contrast Holland made light work of World champions Italy and look a sound bet to reach the last eight. Will the French fire be relit or will Dutch courage win the day? Who will have the biggest impact - Henry, Robery, Sneijder or Van der Vaart? Whatever happens it promises to be an intriguing contest. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="4" minutes="" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The teams are in! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="5" minutes="Referee:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Herbert Fandel (Germany) ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="6" minutes="Holland:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Van der Sar, Boulahrouz, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Engelaar, Kuyt, Van der Vaart, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy. Subs: Timmer, Stekelenburg, Heitinga, De Zeeuw, Van Persie, Robben, Melchiot, Bouma, De Cler, Huntelaar, Afellay, Vennegoor of Hesselink. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="7" minutes="France:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Evra, Govou, Toulalan, Makelele, Malouda, Ribery, Henry. Subs: Mandanda, Frey, Boumsong, Abidal, Vieira, Anelka, Benzema, Nasri, Clerc, Squillaci, Gomis, Diarra. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="8" minutes="Team news:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Henry returns for France in place of Benzema, while Govou and Evra come in for Anelka and Abidal. Has Raymond Domenech got it right? Unsurprisingly Marco van Basten keeps faith with the same XI that saw off Italy. Can the Dutch reach that level again? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="9" minutes="On the ball:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Quickest off the mark is Simon in Toronto who feels that the momentum the Dutch built up in their opening game will carry them to another victory. He also believes that Holland should go all out for the win so that they can rest key players in their final group fixture against Romania next Tuesday. Seems like a sensible idea. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="10" minutes="Italy favours:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Arvind has his fingers crossed that France can take all three points, or one at least, as he is backing Italy to overcome their troubles and reach the quarter-finals. We shall see. While France definitely need to take something, a Dutch win would leave the group wide open heading into the final round of fixtures. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="11" minutes="All over for France:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Chris in Chicago has gazed into his crystal ball and sees Holland emerging victorious with a 1-0 win. He is also hoping that Italy and France will then take a point apiece next week in their meeting, ensuring that both are sent crashing. That really would set the cat amongst the pigeons! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="12" minutes="Anthems:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Both sides look really up for this, and with so much at stake who can blame them! Here's hoping this game lives up to the billing. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="13" minutes="Kick-off:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ France get us underway. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="14" minutes="Balls:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ A bright orange ball has found its way onto the pitch already and has to be punted back into the stands by Makelele. The Dutch support greatly outnumbers the French and they look in a lively mood! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="15" minutes="2 - Solid:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Ribery floats over an early free-kick, but Ooijer rises superbly to hammer a header back towards halfway. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="16" minutes="3 - Greedy:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Van Nistelrooy finds time and space on the edge of the box, but with Kuyt in support he tries an ambitious shot on the turn and strikes straight at Coupet. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="17" minutes="Fortunate:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Makelele is lucky to escpae a caution as he clatters into Kuyt with no intention of playing the ball. The referee needs to make sure he doesn't give the players too much leeway. It is early though so you can forgive him this once. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="18" minutes="5 - Wrong decision:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Another tough call for the ref, and another he gets wrong. Malouda makes good progress down the left and is amazed to see a goal-kick awarded after seeing Boulahrouz knock the ball out of play. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="19" minutes="6 - Climb:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Ribery isn't the biggest but he does well to meet a floated cross to the back post. He is under pressure though and flicks an effort wide of the post. Bright start by the French who look infinitely more ambitious than they did against Romania. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="20" minutes="8 - Scrappy:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ France are playing very deep, and with the Dutch also having five across the midfield there is no room for either side to express themselves. Let's hope things open up. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="21" minutes="10 - GOAL:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland 1 France 0. Kuyt does well to win a corner off Gallas and then heads the resulting set-piece into the back of the net. Van Brockhurst delivers to the front post where the Liverpool man outmuscles Malouda to plant a header past a helpless Coupet. Game on! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="22" minutes="11 - Buoyant:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The Dutch are not going to sit back on their lead and take the game straight back to Les Bleus. Sneijder carries the ball into the French half before allowing Engelaar the opportunity to let rip from 25-yards. His shot cannons into Thuram but Domenech's men look rocked. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="23" minutes="13 - Stumble:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Govou cuts in off his right flank and slides a clever ball in towards Henry. The striker can't reach the ball though as he is blocked off by Mathijsen and ends up in a crumpled heap on the floor. The former Arsenal man is yet to get into the game and needs better service if he is to make an impact. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="24" minutes="15 - Break:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Ribery, aware that Henry has run into an offside position, tries to break through the centre of the Dutch defence, only to see his route to goal blocked by two orange shirts. There was acres of room in behind and had he slipped through he was away. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="25" minutes="16 - Well over:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Sneijder tries his luck from distance and despite catching his shot well sees it sail harmlessly into the stands. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="26" minutes="18 - Hard work:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Van Basten's men are allowing their opponents no time on the ball and are snapping into tackles all over the park. The Dutch look mightily impressive again and could be a good shout to go all the way. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="27" minutes="Good point:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Hans is wondering why Kuyt can look like a world-beater for his country, but distinctly average for Liverpool. There appears to be no logical explanation, but he has looked good again tonight. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="28" minutes="20 - Chance:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Kuyt almost takes advantage of some slack defending by Thuram inside his own box. The veteran centre-half wants all the time in the world to deal with the ball and is relieved to see Kuyt fire over the bar seeing the ball stolen off his toe ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="29" minutes="23 - First save:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ First test for Van der Sar. Sagnol feeds Govou and the winger does well to bustle into the box and fire a low shot in on goal. The tight angle goes against though and he sees his effort kicked behind for a corner. The set-piece comes to nothing. Better by Les Bleus and goes to show that they are capable to creating chances if they put their mind to it. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="30" minutes="25 - Almost in:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Govou agian causes problems as he threatens to burst into the box after a neat exchange with Henry. Once again the Oranje wall stands firm and the Frenchman joins the growing list of his countryman to hit the deck after a robust, but perfectly fair, challenge ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="31" minutes="27 - So close:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Great interplay by Holland as they run rings around their bewildered opponents. Eventually the ball finds Boulahrouz and the full-back is unlucky as his cross-come-shot drifts narrolwy wide of the far post with no-one on hand to provide a finishing touch. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="32" minutes="Must do better:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Monah wants Henry to exert himself on proceedings. He knows that the French desperately need the points and is urging the talismanic striker to lead by example. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="33" minutes="30 - Pace:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The first time that France try to feed Henry down the left and give him space to open up. To be fair to Boulahrouz he keeps pace well and deals with the danger admirably. He never looked this accomplished for Chelsea! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="34" minutes="32 - Wrong option:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ France, through Malouda and Govou, make inroads into the Dutch area, with the latter firing a shot straight into Van Bronckhurst. Govou had support and would have been better looking for it than trying to squeeze the ball through gaps which don't exist. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="35" minutes="Booked:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Makelele is cautioned for catching Van der Vaart with a flailing arm. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="36" minutes="34 - Straight through:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ France slice through the Dutch defence and Malouda's low cross causes problems. Henry takes an air shot as the ball flashes in front of him, while Govou fires down the throat of Van der Sar. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="37" minutes="36 - In again:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ In a complete turnaround it is now France who are dominating. Makelele, yes really, and Ribery lead a swift counter attack, with the Bayern Munich star smashing a low drive into the chest of Van der Sar. The keeper does well to hold on as the ball squirms in his arms, preventing the onrushing Henry from benefiting. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="38" minutes="37 - Inches away:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Ribery drills a cross from the right across the face of goal, but no Blue shirt is on hand to tap into an empty net. Ribery is looking more like the man who dominated the Bundesliga last season, while Henry is in danger of getting involved! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="39" minutes="40 - Good take:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ A swirling cross from Sneijder homes in on Kuyt's head, only to see Coupet snatch the ball away at the last moment. Despite conceding a goal, the French keeper has hardly been called into action. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="40" minutes="41 - Time-wasting:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Already! Boulahrouz is punished for taking forever over a throw. The decision is rightly overturned and the Dutch are put on the backfoot once again. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="41" minutes="Money issue:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Michael has had a sneaky bet on the Dutch tonight, but needs them to be more convincing if he is to clean up at the bookies. Unfortunately the French are in control at the minute. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="42" minutes="43 - Over:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Henry spins on the edge of the box and fires narrolwy over the bar. Ooijer got nowhere near him and the Barca man should have at least hit the target. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="43" minutes="Loud and clear:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Richard in Jamaica feels that Holland are sending out a message to the world with their impressive displays at Euro 2008. I think you're right as many people expected them to struggle in the so-called 'Group of Death'. They look a decent side, with plenty of options available off the bench. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="44" minutes="44 - Poor delivery:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Malouda has time to pick out a team-mate in the middle but only succeeds in knocking the ball out of play on the far side. Far too high and far too long. Must do better, much better! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="45" minutes="Half-time:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland 1 France 0. The Dutch lead at the break through Kuyt's early goal. France worked their way into the game as the half drew on and will be confident of finding a breakthrough in the second period. Can they do it, or will Holland hold on? Remember you can get in touch at Chris.Burton@bskyb.com or via the feedback link in the Score Centre. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="46" minutes="More to come:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Monah still feels that France are not doing enough, but is keeping the faith. Mark feels that Malouda is not good enought for the international stage, while Rick is hoping that France can raise their game after the break - and ultimately reach the quarter-finals. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="47" minutes="Maths:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Thanks to Trevor in California for getting in touch. He has had his calculator out and realises that three teams in this group could end up on two points come next Tuesday. Three wins for Holland and a draw between France and Italy and we are in that position. I can't remember a group ever being that close. How disppointed would that leave two teams? It's a real possibility though. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="48" minutes="Second-half:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland get us up and running again. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="49" minutes="Sub:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Robben has replaced Engelaar at the break. He has gone left side with Sneijder moving in field. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="50" minutes="47 - Much better:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The Henry of old as he ghost past three defenders and drills a dangerous cross across the edge of the six-yard line. Van Bronckhurst is forced into drastic action and knocks behind. Holland were wobbling for a moment but they deal comfortably with the corner. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="51" minutes="Predictions:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Deepesh thinks the goal scoring has finished and we are set for a 1-0 scoreline, but Phil sees France snatching an equaliser. Nakul and Dev are both calling for the introduction of Nasri to lift the French. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="52" minutes="50 - Handball:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ So close to an equaliser. Govou smashes a shot low and hard towards the back post. It is half-cleared to Henry to sees his Ooijer put in a remarkable block to deny him. It appeared to hit the defender's arm but he knew nothing about it. Tough call and the ref probably got it right. Henry was so close to him that he had no time to get out of the way. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="53" minutes="Booking:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Ooijer sees yellow for climbing all over Henry. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="54" minutes="52 - Difficult:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Gallas tries to flick a header goalwards, but with his back to goal, while falling, he fails to find the target. The French look a different side to that which started the game and are banging on the door. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="55" minutes="54 - Best chance:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ What an opportunity for Henry. He beats the offside trap but, with Van der Sar stranded off his line, he lifts the ball onto the roof of the net. You expect better from Henry and how costly could that miss prove to be? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="56" minutes="Sub:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The goal scorer, Kuyt, makes way for Van Persie. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="57" minutes="Missing:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Hans wonders whether Domenech would have been better selecting Cisse and Trezeguet in his squad than the out-of-sorts Anelka and Henry? What do you think? Are France paying the price for not choosing the in-form duo? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="58" minutes="56 - Wasted:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Robben fires straight at Coupet at one end, while down the other Sagnol is disappointed to hook an attempted cross out of play when he had numbers to find in the middle. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="59" minutes="58 - Block:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland try to work a free-kick so that Sneijder can strike on goal, but by the time the Real Madrid man hits the ball Makelele has closed him down. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="60" minutes="59 - GOAL:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland 2 France 0. Robben bursts away down the left and his cross finds Van Persie unmarked in the middle. The Arsenal man volleys goalwards, Coupet gets a strong hand to the ball, but it sneaks over the line. The substitutes combine to double Holland's lead. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="61" minutes="Sub:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Gomis is on in place of Malouda as France look to boost their attacking options. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="62" minutes="61 - Desperate:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ France need a miracle but are back on the offensive. Ribery's deflected shot sees Van der Sar parry back into open play, but Gomis drags the rebound well wide. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="63" minutes="In fine voice:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The celebrations have begun in the stands as the Oranje army get behind their side. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="64" minutes="63 - Good save:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Coupet gets down well to his right to palm away a curling effort from Robben. The changes have given new life to the Dutch, with Robben in particular looking increasingly dangerous. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="65" minutes="Not looking good:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Monah is worried that France may fail to make it out of the group and is all too aware of how disappointing that would be for a side which promised so much heading into the tournament. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="66" minutes="66 - No support:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Sloppy play again by Thuram sees Van Persie rob him of possession and set off towards goal. He plays a blind ball square into acres of space, but none of his team-mates have been able to get up in support. France are living on the edge are in danger of self-destructing. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="67" minutes="70 - Glum:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Domenech looks like a man under pressure on the sidelines. Is there anything he can do to save the game? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="68" minutes="71 - GOAL:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland 2 France 1. That man Henry finally makes an impact. Great low cross from Ribery on the right and Henry gets the slightest of touches to steer the ball into the corner. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="69" minutes="72 - GOAL:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland 3 France 1. Unbelievable. Less than a minute after getting back into the game, France are out of it again. Sneijder plays in Robben, who is surrounded by blue shirts. Somehow he digs out a shot from a tight angle and sees it smash into the roof of the net. Great goal, great game! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="70" minutes="74 - Distraught:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Henry, Gallas and a number of others can't quite believe what just happened and look crushed. Can they lift themselves for the last 15 minutes? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="71" minutes="Sub:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Govou makes way for Anelka. The Chelsea man looked far from his best against Romania and is a surprising choice ahead of Benzema. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="72" minutes="76 - Clattered:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Henry has reached boiling point and trips Van Persie as his former team-mate drifts past him. It's a frsutrating time for the former Gunner, while Sylvia is hoping that Van Perise can take his international form back to the Emirates next season. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="73" minutes="77- Waste:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Clever free-kick by Ribery finds Henry in space 10-yards from goal. He found room beatuifully but gets his attempted header all wrong, and knocks the ball over the top with his shoulder. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="74" minutes="78 - Close:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Evra cuts in off the left and, with is right-foot, fizzes a low shot past the past. Van der Sar was struggling to get down and had it been on target he may have been in trouble. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="75" minutes="Sub:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Bouma on for Van der Vaart as Holland look to shut up shop. Bouma comes in at left-back, moving Van Bronckhurst into midfield. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="76" minutes="Favourites?" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Tadhg wants to see Holland installed as favourites after this result. He accepts that Portugal and Spain have looked good, but Van Basten's side have just beaten the two world cup finalists from two years ago! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="77" minutes="82 - Slip:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The Dutch defence is all over the place as France pile forward. Gomis drags over a cross from the right, only to see Makelele slip as he looks to get a shot away. The chance goes begging and Holland breath a sigh of relief. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="78" minutes="Booked:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Toulalan is the lastest to go into the book. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="79" minutes="83 - Almost four:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Van Nistelrooy lobs a header over Coupet, but the keeper recovers in time to tip the ball around the post. The game is wide open now as France pile men forward and Holland break on the counter with pace. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="80" minutes="No wins:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Krishnan sees a side progressing from Group C having failed to pick up a win, a remarkable situation given the calibre of the sides in this group. Although that could be the reason for the failings, apart from Holland who look dominate, are the others just as good as each other? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="81" minutes="86 - In on goal:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ An opening briefly arrives for Anelka, but Mathijsen soon closes it with a last-ditch challenge. France cry for a penalty but are never going to get one. Clutching at straws me thinks! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="82" minutes="89 - Everytime:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland look like scoring every time they go forward. Robben again this time sends a 20-yard drive skidding past the post. This game has been everythign we hoped it would be and could have finsihed about 8-8 on a different day! ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="83" minutes="90 + 1 - Last chance:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Evra sends an ambitious effort sailing high into the crowd and that should be that. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="84" minutes="90 + 3 - GOAL:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland 4 France 1. What a strike by Sneijder. With the French defence unwilling to close him down, the Real Madrid ace curls a peach of an effort in off the underside of the bar. Great way to end a fantastic game. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="85" minutes="Full-time:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Holland 4 France 1. The Dutch look a class apart at the moment and ease into the quarter-finals. France, meanwhile, now face a mouth-watering game with Italy on Tuesday to determine their fate. ]]></text> <title/> </line> </root>