The SFG team continues its post-mortem of Euro 2012 with a look at Group B, the pre-tournament Group of Death in the eyes of many.
Netherlands
The Good
Considering how bad the Dutch were, the only positive is perhaps the aftermath. Mark van Bommel, while not officially retiring, has stepped aside to make way for younger players. Bert van Marwijk has left his role as the manager and suddenly there is a genuine feeling that this could trigger a change. Many felt they were too rigid and they were right; despite playing 4-2-3-1, both van Bommel and Nigel de Jong were unsuccessful in linking the defence and attack. Though a new manager has yet to be named, fans must be optimistic as they enter a new era. In other words, it can’t get any worse.
The Bad
The Dutch averaged around 5 shots on target per game in the group stages, so the chances were there. However, despite having the likes of van Persie and Huntelaar in the squad, they only managed to score 2 goals in the entire tournament. It’s hard not to wonder what might’ve been had they been able to put away the clear-cut chances. Against Denmark, especially, the game should’ve been put to bed but they lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
