A dutch of luck (Holland v Czech Republic (11 June 19:45 BST))

Member Name: TonyTHEtiger

Product:	Holland v Czech Republic (11 June 19:45 BST)
Date:	12/06/00 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good attacking play

Disadvantages: Should perhaps have been a draw

It's a killer to lose a game to an 89th minute penalty at any time, but the Czech Republic must be really feeling it after losing a match they dominated in the second half, and where they had the best chances.

The first half was controlled largely by the Dutch, playing at home in their first game of the tournament. Srnicek, who couldn't get a game for relegated Sheffield Wednesday, was superb in saving from Kluivert and Bergkamp.

But in the second half the Czechs threw everything at the home side, man of the match Nedved powered a header against the post, Koller headed a free-kick against the bar, and even after the penalty, somewhat harshly awarded after Nemec was adjudged to have pulled down Ronald de Boer, the Republic had a great chance to score but put it into the side netting.

Encouraging for the Dutch though, to win their first game against such a good side. They can only get better, and it opens up the "Group of Death", as the Republic now have to win their next 2 games.

Summary: