- The defending champion didn’t have advantage in the first half and scored only from the spot. How did van Gaal’s men manage not to let Spain create their combinations?
- I think that it became possible as every player followed the game plan. They tried not to let Spain control the ball. Del Bosque’s men had few scoring chances.
- Wesley Sneijder could open the score early in the first half in one-on-one situation. How did that episode influence the game?
- I don’t think it did at all.
Of course, if he scored that would have given the Netherlands more confidence. That’s actually what I expected from Spain, but it seems that their hour of triumph is over. They don’t have a world-class striker and midfielders’ better days are in the past. Anyway we’ll see what happens if they get out of the group.
- What can you say about Wesley Sneijder, who’s made his 100th appearance for the national team?
- Sneijder is a true professional despite his age.
- Oranje first goal was fabulous. How difficult was in for van Persie to score in that situation?
- It was very difficult.
When the ball was in the air he managed to size up the situation and eventually didn’t leave a chance for Casillas.
- It seems that during the break del Bosque didn’t analyze players’ mistakes properly as the second goal the Netherlands netted after the break was the copy of the first one. Experienced defenders Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique made a mistake again…
- It was a bad match for both centre backs. That was quite predictable as Pique missed a lot this season and Ramos made mistakes featuring for Real Madrid.
- Jeremain Lens made a substitute appearance 15 minutes before the time. How can you estimate his play?
- Jeremain is a good performer, but he didn’t spend enough time on the pitch to estimate his play.
- Will euphoria create pressure on the Netherlands or maybe it will give them more confidence?
- I think they’ll be more confident, but it’s important not to let confidence tyrn into assuredness.
Copyright © 2014 FC Dynamo Kyiv
* upper photo by V. Rasner
