Dutch Crash Out In Qualifiers

After a dismal Euro qualifying campaign, the Netherlands quest has finally died a death. Throughout this match they looked clueless and devoid of confidence, epitomising their campaign to date.

Right from the off, the Dutch showed their intent. A shot from Anwar El Ghazi was straight at Cech and the keeper saved comfortably. El Ghazi turned provider when his low cross found Wesley Sneijder on the edge of the box but he lacked the composure and sent the ball into Row Z. That's two chances the Dutch have had within the first 10 minutes and were made to rue them once 90 minutes were up.

However it was the Czech Republic that struck first. A flick from Tomas Necid split the defence and allowed Pavel Kaderabek to run in on Jasper Cillessen's net. A shot across the goal left the keeper helpless and gave the Dutch a mountain to climb. There was a notable change in the mood once the goal went in as the Dutch crowd created a raucous atmosphere up until that point. 

At the half hour mark, The Netherlands were having the majority of possession  but they evidently did not know what to do with the possession. No penetration and apart from those chances in the first minutes they didn't look like they were able to score against the Czechs.

The second goal came much to the dismay of the Dutch faithful. A Theodor Gebre Selassie throw in found the right winger before he chipped into Josef Sural who poked the ball past Cillessen in nets. It was poor defending from Van Dijk to allow the Czech wriggle away and double their lead.  Danny Blind had seen enough and introduced Robin Van Persie, substituting Ridejwald. 

This substitution seemed to give the Dutch a lift, creating several opportunities shortly after. Wesley Sneijder released Memphis Depay in behind the defence. He was through on goal but a desperate lunge from Marek Suchy brought the United man down and was dismissed for a professional foul. At half time, the Netherlands looked down and out, however the momentum from the red card had completely swung in favour of the home side.

The second half started and The Netherlands were keen to press. They had several attempts but were unable to latch onto and control the final ball. Time was not on the side of the Dutch and they were beginning to feel the pressure. Despite having the possession, the Czechs were relatively untroubled and Cech had minimal saves to make.

As the game progressed, the Netherlands resorted to long balls. 20 minutes into the second half and the Dutch were yet to make any advantage of the man extra. It was the away side that were going to hit the final nail into the coffin of the Netherlands. A free kick was swung in, and in an attempt to clear it, Robin Van Persie headed into his own net. 

Just short of the 70 minute mark, Klaas Jan Huntelaar headed a consolation for the home side and it would take a miracle to reach the next round. Huntelaar had another attempt but he shot straight at the Czech keeper. Like the red card, the goal seemed to give the Netherlands a lift, but it seriously looked as if they didn't know how to use it. It's not too often we see a Dutch side lump so many long, meaningless balls into the box.

The Netherlands got a second goal back after Van Persie redeemed himself after nudging the ball past Cech after a flick on from Wolfsburg man Bas Dost. Minutes later, Van Persie went down inside the box, but the referee deemed it to be a dive and booked the Dutchman.

The Dutch are out and truthfully, they didn't deserve anything from the game, never mind the qualifying campaign. It's back to the drawing board for Danny Blind and his Dutch side as they prepare to embark on a World Cup qualifying campaign that they cannot afford to mess up.

Spain v Netherlands

Barely 24 hours into the tournament and we already have our first bodacious tie. Brazil has already provided us with numerous contentious issues and most importantly, plenty of goals. Hopefully the South Africa's finalists can provide us with more of the same, minus the controversial incidents.

Tonight sees a rematch of the 2010 Final in which 14 players were booked and, astonishingly, Johnny Heitinga was the only player to be sent off. I'm quite sure you all know the outcome of that night, but the Netherlands will be out for revenge. With Robin Van Persie leading the attack, let's take a look at where the main threat will come from in this talented Dutch side.

No one can argue that Manchester United's Robin Van Persie will have an impact on Dutch progress in the tournament. He is definitely in with a shout of receiving the Golden Boot. He has the ability to score goals out of nothing, and is a real asset to the Dutch. Another player that cannot go without mention is Arjen Robben. He is arguably the most predictable player in world football, yet the most difficult to stop, particularly if he is deployed on the left. The main attacking threat will come from Van Persie, Robben and Galatasaray's Wesley Sneijder.

The midfield will be need to be a lot more disciplined than 2010, if they want to shut down Xavi, Iniesta and Silva. As we all know, they aim to control the play and the tempo of the game. If they close the Spanish playmakers down and give them limited time on the ball, then the game is there for Holland to grab it by the scruff of the neck.

Albeit they were in a difficult group, The Netherlands will be hoping to make amends to a disastrous Euro 2012 campaign. It is often the case that the Netherlands have world class talent at their disposal however disruption in team harmony has led to them crashing out early in competitions. With fresh blood coming through in Memphis Depay, Bruno Martins Indi and Jordy Clasie. This could be their time to shine and show case their talent to the rest of the world.

Holders, Spain will be right up there in the latter stages of the tournament. Most of the players from the Euros in 2012 are at this tournament, but the most notable inclusion is that of Diego Costa. In 2012 it was common for them to play Cesc Fabregas as a false nine, which caught the opposition off guard. With Costa's inclusion, it will be interesting to see whether they deploy this tactic once again, or go with an out-and-out striker. In my opinion, this will be more of a help than a hindrance as it will give them a Plan B, something which may benefit them in the later rounds. 

This Spanish team have the ability to score goals, but they have also the ability to concede. When Jordi Alba bombs down the left, it may leave gaps at the back, and particularly in the tropical climate, he may struggle to get back. They may have defensive worries, but they do play very attractive football, as highlighted in previous tournaments. We all hope for more of the same in this tournament.

As for my prediction, a 1-1 draw is looking a good shout, as neither team will want to lose their opening game. It will be a cagey affair as a loss would be a colossal blow to their hopes of qualifying in pole position.

90% of people will be sitting throughout the Mexico v Cameroon match with much excitement. The other 10%, are lying. 8pm is the kick off time, so be there or be square.