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De Oranje Juiced

Filed under: Imported

Today's Netherlands-Czech Republic Euro 2004 match might just be the most fantastically entertaining soccer game I've ever witnessed. Everyone knows that the Dutch play some of the most skillful attacking soccer in the world (they're just not particularly adept at winning), but what of my native peeps the Czechs?

After falling behind 2-0 in the opening 20 minutes, they attacked the Dutch ferociously, flying up the field and cracking shots at every opportunity. The offensive fireworks in the first half alone were sufficient to make me momentarily forget the countless nil-nil ties I've slogged through over the years. Both sides could have easily scored a half-dozen goals if not for some valiant goalkeeping. The Czechs did manage to pull one goal back, courtesy of Jan Koller, before the break.  

There was no slacking of pace in the second half. Pavel Nedved unleashed two of the most crackerjack one-time shots I've ever seen, blazing one off the crossbar from what must of been 40 yards out, and having another snuffed out by an eye-popping save from Dutch keeper Edwin Van der Sar. (Am I missing something or is Nedved the best freakin' player in the world?) De Oranje's prolific scoring forward, Ruud van Nistlerooy, meanwhile, should have put his side comfortably ahead, but he was twice denied at point-blank range by Czech keeper Petr Cech. 

Milan Baros finally brought the Czechs even with a blistering, curling shot that Van der Sar did well to even get a finger on in the 71st minute. And then, with just a couple of minutes remaining, Baros' Liverpool teammate, Vladimir Smicer, calmly slotted in the game winner.

The Czechs are through to the quarterfinals. I wouldn't bet against 'em to win the whole damn thing. The ill-fated Dutch are likely headed home. (Hopefully the lousy Italians will be joining 'em.)

(Karel Bruckner is the coolest coach in the world.)

Posted by Paul Demko at June 19, 2004 6:17 PM

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