The Dutch Destroy Tiki Taka and an England v Italy Preview

Last night was quite breathtaking. Nobody could have predicted a Dutch onslaught. I still cannot quite believe what took place before my eyes. Surely they must now be considered as serious competitors?

Credit must be given to a superb Netherlands side who rolled back to the days of Total Football, but Spain were abysmal, and that's being generous. It's amazing how easily Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique were made to look distinctively average. Gaps between the centre-halves were exploited with ease, but the problem started with the lackadaisical full backs. Quite often while playing for Barcelona, Jordi Alba enjoys to bomb down the left wing, leaving the left full back position exposed. This allowed the Dutch wing-backs Janmaat and Blind to commit and pull Ramos and Pique out of position. 

The equaliser from RVP on the stroke half time was a touch of genius. The way he leapt into the air like a salmon was utterly majestic, and the pass wasn't bad either. Children all around the globe will be attempting Robin's leap, but not many will be able to pull it off. The Spanish defence could not contain the pace of Arjen Robben or the skill of Van Persie. You could argue that they single handedly ripped Spain's tiki taka apart, it was simply sublime to watch.

Ajax's Daley Blind announced himself on the stage last night with a quality performance. Son of Danny Blind, he was exceptional in both attack and defence, and is a great prospect. If he continues his top quality performance, the top teams could come knocking at Ajax's door in order to acquire his services.

Not many people gave the Netherlands a chance, never mind 5-1 victory against the Spanish, so England will be hoping to do the same against the Italians tonight. England will get a big boost from the news that Gigi Buffon will be absent with a twisted ankle. An equally impressive Salvatore Sirigu replaces the veteran, but it will be Buffon's leadership that they will miss.

Andrea Pirlo passed England to death in the Euros and he will be the linchpin that makes Italy tick. It's pretty much impossible to prevent Pirlo from getting the ball, and man marking him in the tropical conditions of Manaus would be suicidal. Even if  they were to stop Pirlo from controlling the game, Veratti also needs attention. It is likely that Daniele De Rossi will sit just in front of the back four, with the solitary role of breaking up the English attacks, something which he has excelled at over his successful career.

Italy possess superb wingers in Alessio Cerci, Antonio Candreva and Lorenzo Insigne. Glen Johnson and Leighton Baines will need to remain focused for the 90 minutes if they want to neutralise the threat from the flanks. Based on the performances from the warm-up games, Glen Johnson does not fill me with much confidence. 

England do have the ability to hurt Italy. With relatively slow centre backs, it is imperative that Daniel Sturridge starts. His pace, along with Rooney, Welbeck and Sterling, has the potential to hurt Italy and they need to be running lines in behind the defence. Wayne Rooney's position in this starting line-up has been up for the debate. In my opinion he should start. His experience will benefit the team, and I tip him to end his goal drought in the World Cup this year. As for Ross Barkley, Roy needs to bring him on when the ageing Italian midfield begins to tire and it may give him a free run at Chiellini and Bonucci.

I said in a previous article that England should be able to beat Uruguay, and it is quite likely after seeing a shambolic performance against Costa Rica. We witnessed a scintillating Dutch performance last night, so let's hope for another superb match up in 45 minutes.