This game might be worth watching. While the US team is probably inferior (man for man) with the Dutch in skill and talent (with the exception of the goalkeepers) they managed to progess to the quarter-finals of the last World Cup because they were superbly fit and didn't give opposing teams a moment's rest. When you think about it, that's a great tactic because it is the one thing that is under your control as a coach. You pick the best players you can and if they are not as good as the opposing teams what can you do?
Mind you, the Dutch team severely underperformed in the WC qualifiers and missed making the tournament (again!). A true pity considering the talent in their squad. But then their history in recent years has been to have a lot of contention between their national governing body and whomever is the coach of the moment.
The Dutch should bite the bullet, hire Johann Cruyff and stand back and watch their team contend to win Euro 2004.
If all goes well, the US could actually upset the Dutch in Amsterdam. I don't expect it but I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The Dutch are currently ranked 4th in the world and the US are 11th.
Posted by artandscience at February 17, 2004 09:39 AM