Euro 2010: Netherlands vs Finland (2-1); Full Time Report
Starting XI for Netherlands:
Martin Stekelenburg, Vurnon Anita, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Ibrahim Affeley, Klass Jan Huntelaar, Joris Mathijsen, John Hetinga, Gregory Van Der Weil, Nigel De Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Mark Van Bommel
Subs: Piet Velthuizen, Erik Pieters, Hedwiges Maduro, Theo Janssen, Jeremain Lens, Eljero Elia, Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Starting XI For Finland:
Otto Fredrikson, Petri Pasanen, Niklas Moisander, Tim Sparv, Veli Lampi, Mika Vayrynen, Henrik Daniel Sjolund, Kasper Hamalainen, Markus Heikkinen, Mikael Forssell, Roman Eremenko
Subs: Teemu Tainio, Alexei Jr. Eremenko, Roni Porokara, Jari Litmanen, Jonathan Johansson, Joonas Kolkka
In what was a thoroughly impressive performance by the Dutch, the World Cup runner ups managed to defeat Finland 2-1. All three of the goals came in the first half, with Klass Jan Huntelaar scoring a brace. Mikael Forssell managed to score a consolation goal as the European giants proved too much for the Finnish.
Huntelaar managed to give his side an early lead when he managed to find the back of the net twice in just under 20 minutes. Forssell’s goal proved out to be a consolation one for Finland. The World Runner Ups had an impressive start to the match and needed just 7 minutes to open the scoring. Newly crowned UEFA midfielder of the year, Wesley Sneijder delivered a perfect cross from the corner kick, which found Huntelaar in the right spot. The newly signed Schalke man managed to beat his man to the ball and found the back of the net.
Huntelaar was not done yet as he scored his 5th goal in the opening two fixtures of Euro 2012 qualifiers. After just 10 minutes from his first goal, Mark Van Bommel was fouled in the penalty area from a defender. The referee found the challenge to be illegal and awarded the penalty kick. Huntelaar stepped up to take the kick and eased pass the keeper to make it 2-0. Finland, however, sought a comeback and managed to score one on the 18th minute mark. Laziness on the part of Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong, led Forssell to take the advantage. Nevertheless, De Jong could not cover his man and Forssell managed to head home the ball.
Finland thought they had the chance to bring things to level term but could not find a way to beat Netherlands goal keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. The Ajax goalie managed to save two shots from Mika Vayrynen and also denied Forssell’s volleyed attempt to keep the scoreline in favour of the Dutch. Newly signed Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Rafael Van Der Vaart had a good opportunity to wrap things up for Holland but his attempt was deflected for a corner by Finland gloves man, Otto Fredrikson.
In the second half, the Dutch were firmly in control of possession, but could not create any threatening chances. Inter Milan’s attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder managed to fire one from distance and found nothing but the stands. Before the break, Daniel Sjolund and Forssell did manage to cut through the Dutch defence, but nothing as such surfaced in the second half. The Dutch filled the loop holes in defence and managed to neutralize nay Finnish attack.
The win gives Netherland the pole position in Group E as the team has 6 points. Finland are yet to have any point and are tied in last place with San Marino. Moldova will be the next team playing the Oranje, as the Dutch side travel to Chisinau on October 12th.
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