Euro 2008: Netherlands through to the Quarter Final after Demolishing France 4-1

Netherlands presented another classy performance in their second group stage match against France tonight, winning by 4-1 against the world cup runner up. With this victory, Netherlands confirmed their place in the quarter final of Euro 2008. The Dutch outplayed Italy in their first match by 3 goals. No doubt, the Dutch side now seems to be one of the most favorites of the tournament.

Netherlands got the first goal thanks to a Dirk Kuyt header from a corner kick in the 9^th minute of the match. Van Persie scored the second goal for the Dutch in the 59^th minute after playing a close range shot at goal receiving a pass from Robben. Arsenal retuned a goal thanks to Thierry Henry, as he scored from a Willy Sagnol cross from the right. However, a minute later, Netherlands against brought a two goal difference when Robben scored one of the most magnificent goals of Euro 2008 so far. Robben created room defeating Lilian Thuram in pace while running down the left wing, and then he stunned the French side sending the ball over Coupet into the net. Actually, that could have been the end of all hopes for the French side. However, France was positive in their approach continuing the flurry of attacks at the end of the match. However, in stead of decresing the difference, the Dutch side rather conceded an injury goal thanks to Sneijder, who scored a 20-yeard goal after receiving a pass from Van Persie.

Now, France must face in another do or die match against Italy since the two sides met in the last world cup final, where Italy won the title. There is no alternative of winning the match against Italy in order to reach the last eight of Euro 2008. No doubt, it would be very disappointing for France if they fail to reach the quarter final of the tournament. However, even a victory would not ensure France a place in the quarter final; rather they also need the result of the other match to go their way. Now, let us see if France can make it to the next round of the tournament.

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Canadian Press