Holland Stun Italy

Gol da Annulare!! Panucci down injured not in the pitch still kept Van Nistelrooy onside…

Let’s face it – it wasn’t Italy’s day! Italy gave a disastrous opening first half performance with many defensive mistakes. Holland were immediately looking brave on the attack. The most dubious decision taken in the match came in the 26th minute. Offside is defined as a striker being forward in position with the last defender. Christian Panucci was rolled out of the pitch and was down injured. He couldn’t make anything. Totally unreasonable decision there by the ref who also did not have a great match in my opinion – and not because Italy lost! Van Nistelrooy was all alone to tap the ball in Buffon’s net and give Holland the lead. 1-0 at 26 minutes and not looking good for Italy. Furthermore, Sneijder added woes to Donadoni’s side just five minutes later to put the Oranje 2-0 ahead and comfortable.

Holland could have got another goal in the first half had it not been for Buffon’s great save. Donadoni took his team in the dressing room expecting a comeback in the second half but his men could not hit the back of the net.

Donadoni made a great move putting Grosso on for Matrix and Italy were looking better then. Italy dominated Holland in the second half but Oranje always were dangerous on the counter-attack thanks to their terrific long-balls. Del Piero also came on instead of Di Natale and had his moments too having had a great chance to send Italy back into the match. Toni came all alone one-on-one with Van der Sar but volleyed way high of the net.

Van der Sar then called on some applauses after parrying Pirlo’s stunning free-kick and to add to Holland’s great performance, Italy were unlucky to having had some great chances but just couldn’t direct the ball in the net.

Like them? Not anymore!!!

As Italy were looking strong came the break. Holland went forward with Van Bronckhorst heading the ball past Buffon and Zambrotta having nothing to do just continued the ball’s direction in his own side. A third and final goal for Holland who take lead of Group C.

Italy’s Best Players: Grosso, Del Piero, Pirlo