Holland celebrate one of their 10 goals

Euro 2008 Team Review: Holland

How did they do? Magical in their twin thrashings of Italy and especially France, the technical prowess, ease on the ball and attacking nature led many pundits to compare them with the vintage Dutch side that won the trophy so spectacularly 20 years ago. Along came Russia, however, who deservedly defeated them in a pulsating quarter-final.

High While the 3-0 defeat of Italy may have flattered Holland a little, the 4-1 thrashing of France was a joy to behold. France were overwhelmed by the plethora of wonderful attacking options at Holland’s disposal. The moment that will linger most in the memory is Arjen Robben’s trickery, followed by a thunderbolt, to return Holland’s two-goal lead almost as soon as Henry had made it 2-1. Fearless, expansive and supremely skilled football in the true Dutch tradition.

Low Extra-time against Russia. Russia had less than 72 hours to prepare for the clash; Holland’s first-choice men had eight days. So why did Holland wilt while Russia’s energy reserves knew no bounds? Russia’s performance was truly exceptional - but Holland were a pitiful imitation of the side who had dismantled Italy and France. Their play lacked cohesiveness, and, unlike earlier in the tournament, they evoked old cliches about the Dutch being more a collection of individuals and less a team. A sad end for a country who so thrilled earlier in the tournament.

Coach Marco van Basten had already agreed to joining Ajax prior to the tournament. Alas, he was unable to repeat the magic of 1988 against the same opposition. They would love Guus Hiddink, who took them so close to the World Cup final in 1998 to return, but that is a fanciful prospect.

Key player Wesley Sneijder: a creative force of the highest order in midfield, who contributed goals against both World Cup finalists. But his contribution far exceeded mere goals. The Real Madrid star’s sheer excellence in central midfield served to confirm his immense class.

What next? The international retirement of Edwin Van der Sar, a Dutch great of 128 caps, does not detract from the rich attacking potential of this side. In Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Rafael Van der Vaart, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt, they have a series of potent attacking forces who should light up World Cup 2010 too. But improvements in a shaky defence are needed if they are to reach the semis.

Match stats

Turkey players celebrate their late equaliser against Croatia

Yet to select an adopted nation? Turkey is the recommended choice on the menu: packed with flavour, utterly fulfilling and leaves a wonderful aftertaste.

The thrilling progress of Fatih Terim’s side has been the story of these Euros, another underdog in the mould of fierce rivals Greece but with a preference to come from behind rather than scoring one and holding on. For Terim’s health, the latter might be advisable.

Turkey have led in their four matches for a grand total of seven minutes, yet find themselves in the last four, 90 minutes from a quite unbelievable appearance in the final. No doubt that Turkey must be the laziest side to ever have reached the semi-finals, repetitively waiting until falling behind before raising their game - but always managing to pull it off in spite of time constraints.

There have been six goals in the final minutes of Turkey’s matches, from a total of 12. Portugal scored late to seal an easy opening 2-0 victory, but it was Turkey’s turn against Switzerland with Turan’s late winner and again in the epic with Czech Republic, captain fantastic Nihat netting twice in the 87th and 89th minutes to turn the best game of Euro 2008 on its head.

Latterly versus Croatia, after a defensive and tedious two hours, the game came to life after 35-year-old reserve goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber was left stranded out of his goal and Modric crossed for Klasnic to head in. The Croatian bench ran onto the field in euphoric celebration - with one minute of additional time to play, Turkey had left it too late this time around.

The Turkish end fell to silence for the first time and their romantic run was at an end.

But rather than working out their exit strategy from the stadium, the Turkish players fought on. Pledging as many men into the opposition penalty box as at any time during the entire evening, Rüştü’s long free-kick caused havoc and the ball fell to Senturk who, with the aid of a deflection, struck the ball into the top left-hand corner. Cue scenes of delirium as the Turkish bench ran onto the field as if it had been the winning goal. So incredible that it was, in fact, credible. They had done it all before and that made the feat seem less fantastic, but in context, Turkey’s route to the penultimate stage will be seen as nothing short of phenomenal.

Rüştü’s redemption arrived in a penalty shoot-out that was only going to be won by one side, and he may yet be in goal for the semi against Germany. Turkey will have four players suspended and injuries will have to be contended with, leaving them low on high quality players and struggling just to fill their bench. Vast talent or great technical ability didn’t guide Turkey through, however, rather determination, grit and heart.

It may not be enough to overcome tournament favourites Germany, but Turkey’s status as underdogs who basked in their lowly rank is assured and their achievements will be remembered long into the future. The elite have dominated the Euros thus far, but Turkey have provided the fairytale in an already sizzling tournament.

Arsène Wenger believes this has been the best European Championship ever. And Turkey are the team of these championships, offering scintillating entertainment and pushing every supporter to the edge of their seat. A team any fan can happily adopt.

The game is really easy and fun and you can play a mini version of it below, with a link to the full version if you want more! What’s more, JVC are giving away some fantastic prizes to players, including pairs of tickets to Euro 2008 matches, every week up to and including the tournament.

So try your hand at the game - and post your best scores below!

Play the full game at: http://www.jvcfootball.com/euroball/

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Real Madrid target

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego is as impressive as his goal tally and commitment is a trait he seemingly pays little regard to. Just ask some of his former girlfriends.

Joking aside, his flirtation with Real Madrid threatens to get out of control and Manchester United appear to be constantly on the brink of losing their life-long sweetheart.

The Spanish club, aided by their public-broadcasting propagandists Marca, are treading a fine line between over-indulgently praising the dazzling midfielder and tapping him up. President Ramón Calderón’s most recent statement, encouraging Ronaldo to force his way out of the club, has finally triggered a response from the man who needs him most.

Sir Alex Ferguson accused Real Madrid of having “no moral issues” and launched an angry tirade at a club who possess a bizarre superiority complex, seemingly based on the glow the players’ egos emit from the Bernabéu rather than on any tangible grounds.

Manchester United have outdone Madrid in virtually every department over the last several years, regularly picking up domestic league trophies and now topping that with a Champions League triumph. Real Madrid have not seriously challenged in Europe for half a decade.

Ferguson is intent on keeping Ronaldo, whose value is estimated around £60m, “Real use this Marca newspaper as a vehicle to unsettle players. Real Madrid are not the only club interested in Ronaldo. But the others are not saying so. They don’t get into this nonsense. Calderon makes that great statement ’slavery was abolished many years ago’. Did they tell General Franco that? Give me a break.”

The Scot’s wit shone above any genuine lingering fear that this Portuguese phenomenon will walk away.

Ronaldo’s motivations for joining Madrid are unclear. Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, who spent a year as coach there, has already warned the 23-year-old that the glittering image which surrounds the club is fallacious while the set-up in Manchester is far more stable and productive than of their counterparts in Madrid, where fresh coaches arrive every year or two and success is inconsistent. Surely the promise of better weather is not what’s driving Ronaldo away?

Currently the best player in the world and destined for the Fifa World Player of the Year award amongst others, Ronaldo initially declared he would stay before briskly changing his tune, Steven Gerrard style.

He first told ITV that he would stay, oddly reminiscent of what Gerrard asserted following Liverpool’s Champions League triumph of 2005, before intimating his future lay elsewhere, “I don’t promise nothing. I don’t promise nothing to my mum, I don’t promise nothing to supporters. We are going to see in the next two weeks, I don’t say I make a decision.”

Perhaps he is bargaining for more money in a new contract with his current employers, but the uncertainty is unhelpful as Manchester United start planning for next season. There is no way they will let their star leave, but if Ronaldo’s head continues to be turned by Madrid’s very public offerings, they might have an unhappy player begging for out on their hands.

Predicting the future is ill-advised, but it is becoming increasingly clear that one day soon Ronaldo will head to La Liga, probably with Real Madrid. Until that time, Manchester United appreciate they will have to keep refuting the rumours, keep their most talented performer content, and most importantly of all, keep giving him a reason to stay.

The Premier League is the place to play football - more money, more silverware. As the new kings of Europe, United can look down at Madrid with a cocky smirk, but if the trophies dry up Ronaldo will be given opportunity and motive to request a transfer.

For now, however, United hold all the aces and could not be in a stronger position to declare that Ronaldo is all theirs, and for keeps.

Prospective lovers will be made to wait for their turn.

With the visitors having pulled the score back to 3-1, Nani’s dismissal might have proved significant and both manager Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Carlos Queiroz lamented the Portuguese for his impetuousness at such a vital time in the season.

The midfielder’s red card has been the culmination of weeks of poor form, however. His final ball has frequently been misplaced or not forthcoming at all - like at Stamford Bridge in the crunch encounter with Chelsea - and the 21-year-old has demonstrated his immaturity during United’s most crucial games of the entire campaign. In fact, his performances are reminiscent of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo’s during his first season at the club - the desire to impress is clear, but there is often no end product and a lack of selflessness.

Nani has been fined two weeks’ wages and Ferguson was unimpressed, “The game was marred by the immaturity of Nani. He bought the challenge from their player and retaliated. He will learn from that.”

Most important is that Nani will learn from his mistakes – much like Ronaldo has done.

On current form, the Scot is taking a risk on an enigma in selecting Nani for the Champions League final

Nani ought to treat Ronaldo as his role model, because there is little doubt he has the dexterity and panache to emulate the player who is currently rated number one on the globe. His fantastic goal against Tottenham early in the season and the impudent skills he demonstrated versus Arsenal suggest he has the temperament to become one of Manchester United’s leading stars and thus taking some of the responsibility off Ronaldo’s shoulders and onto his own.

Ferguson must now decide whether Nani deserves a starting place in the United side that will take on Chelsea in Moscow. On current form, the Scot is taking a risk on an enigma. Nani could make Chelsea toil down the wing with his quick feet and exemplary close ball control or instead frustrate his manager if he is unable to assert his influence.

Whatever his decision might be, Ferguson certainly did not plan to use Nani as much as he has done. Only bought last summer, the idea was to give the explosive winger a taste of Premier League action rather than a full-on 40 appearance buffet. Nani’s misdemeanours and inconsistency can be put down to youth - but having been given 12 months to settle down, much more will be expected of him next season.

What do you think? Has Nani impressed this season or not? Share your views below.

Despite not making the final, Lionel Messi has been the success story of the Champions League. With effortless skill and astute vision, he has been a joy to watch. His much hyped battle with Cristiano Ronaldo turned how to be a no contest as, at just 20 years old, he was the attacking heartbeat of a Barcelona side with an apparent embarrassment of riches. With 72 matches under his belt and 30 goals, surely the sucess of Messi tells us something about the failings of an England team with few young prospects to turn to and a dim future ahead?

Look at all the big teams in Europe and you’ll see they each have their own batch of prodigies, all boasting to have the world’s hottest new prospect. In Spain, Messi’s catalan compatriot, the 18 year old Bojan has forced out Theirry Henry and put Ronaldinho in a strop. 19 year old Athletico Madrid forward Aguero has already played 71 games for his team bagging 22 goals. In Italy, one time Chelsea target Pato has scored an incredible eight goals in 15 for AC Milan. Meanwhile, 17 year old Inter striker Balotelli is setting Serie A alight with his performances. So to England’s teenage attacking talent: Theo Walcott still spends most of his time on the Arsenal bench whilst Chelsea’s Scott Sinclair has been sent on loan an astonishing four times in the last 12 months.

“It’s about time English clubs showed the next generation some pride”

So, are we really surprised England have failed to qualify for Euro 2008? If the situation remains the same, how can we expect to qualify for the 2010 World Cup? Or Euro 2012? Are we to rely on the same old heads? Bring Beckham out of a third retirement? We might as well get Gascoigne and Lineker back as well for what it’s worth.

In Europe, young players are shown off like trophies. Oppositions cannot deal with their speed and unpredictability. After all, how much homework can you do on a teenager? It’s about time English clubs showed the next generation some pride. And it’s not that England doesn’t have good young players, it’s that our clubs aren’t prepared to risk playing them. But why?

We have become a faithless footballing country.

The endless wells of cash have made it a safer bet to place faith in a hot prospect from outside Britain rather than play our own locally produced players. Our academies have become a novelty, an empty gesture. In fact, the Premiership has become a school for blooding football’s youngsters like Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas and Manchester United’s Anderson. Sure, they’ve improved the league, but would they have been given the same chances at other clubs? Are we just doing a favour for our rivals by giving playing time to foreign youngsters rather than our own? By so frequently overlooking rising youth, does this mean our top clubs believe the country is ill-equipped to train new talent?

“Surely the proof of a good footballer, as in any profession, lies in performance under pressure?”

Last season, Glen Roeder had a revelation which sadly failed to linger as he drafted in youth players to an injury stricken squad. The young Canadian David Edgar and still-wet-behind-the-ears Steven Taylor featured against Bolton and performed exceptionally. Edgar named Man of the Match. Roeder was baffled. So with this epiphany, you’d expect it would leave a lasting impression, not just to Newcastle but the entire league. Well, Newcastle’s single hot prospect Andy Carroll has been sent on loan and the Premiership has chosen foreign imports over its own academy hopefuls. Surely the proof of a good footballer, as in any profession, lies in performance under pressure? Yet how can we expect to compete if we don’t give our players a chance? It seems Premier League clubs freely distance themselves from the responsibility of providing England with a future.

The Champions League has demonstrated the improvement of the Premier League but the success of English teams stand to leave damaging repercussions for the country’s future. Huge cash influxes from TV revenues threaten to usher more money to pass onto to the continent and fewer chances for young talent.

Should Chelsea win the Champions League, they’ll undoubtedly attempt to coax Messi to the Bridge, Scott Sinclair will be forced to look elsewhere. Man Utd are already eyeing Moutinho and a plethora of young foreign stars. For the sake of an all-star league, are we saying goodbye to competing in national competitions? We can all be proud of the resilience of Chelsea, the determination of Liverpool and the industry of Man Utd. But the glory of Champions League success can only be temporary. A façade for what can only exacerbate the challenge for up and coming prospects, and strangle the future of our national team.

Is it time for Premier League clubs to start taking risks on their young England hopefuls? Share your views in the comments section below.

It features the likes of Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas, William Gallas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney and the full version was broadcast the for the first time on these shores during the two Champions League semi-finals.

It’s part of Nike’s campaign leading up to Euro 2008 and certainly grabs the attention with its innovative style as you see your football career unfold before your eyes in a first person narrative. Sadly, none of us will be reaching the heights of the stars featured.

Watch it and then leave your thoughts below…

A summer move appears probable. Amelia may be contracted to Livorno until 2011, but his discontentment at the club’s precarious position in the table - just a season after participating in the Uefa Cup - and dislike of President Aldo Spinelli, with whom he had a row, ascertains that a transfer is seemingly inevitable.

Amelia was Italy’s third-choice goalkeeper at World Cup 2006, picking up valuable lessons from the two other, more senior stoppers Buffon and Angelo Peruzzi while undoubtedly gaining from the experience of being a part of the triumphant campaign in Germany.

Standout performances as first-choice Livorno goalkeeper have seen Amelia emerge as a promising and very gifted stopper, and it is widely agreed that he is now second best only to Buffon in terms of the top Italian goalkeepers. Current Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni oversaw his development during two spells as coach of the Tuscan side, ensuring Amelia is venerated by the man who will select the starting eleven at this summer’s Euro 2008.

Buffon is now 30, and although still dedicated to the national cause, his status as number one is no longer secure. If Amelia does move to one of Europe’s big-hitters and suitably impresses there would be no hesitation, from Donadoni at least, to throw him in for a crucial match, especially if Buffon suffers a drop in form.

For now, however, Amelia must be content with a place on the bench. Buffon has provided sterling service for Juventus once again this campaign, and the bianconeri’s likely return to the Champions League next season can only strengthen his position as first-choice between the sticks for his country.

Amelia said President Aldo Spinelli should resign “if he’s got the balls to do it.” Spinelli replied, “I’ve tried to teach Amelia some manners but he can’t hold his tongue, like all Romans.”

Presently, Amelia is more concerned with securing a move away from the amaranto rather than immediately displacing Buffon, and has repeatedly proclaimed his desire to find a new home.

Born in Rome, Amelia has previously suggested he would most warmly welcome a transfer to Luciano Spalletti’s side. He was a product of Roma’s youth system but was shipped out to Livorno when still a teenager. However, with current number one Alexander Doni performing capably for Serie A’s most exciting team, such a transfer looks improbable.

There are a host of interested clubs, ranging from Tottenham and Liverpool in England, Valencia in Spain and AC Milan in Italy. Tottenham are openly searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper following a season of poor form for England international Paul Robinson, and they enquired about Amelia in January. Coach Juande Ramos is expected to follow up his interest come the season’s end when the entire Tottenham set-up is to be reorganised, including a major reshuffling of the squad. Amelia’s imposing presence and great consistency is said to be exactly what the Spaniard is searching for after Robinson’s liability to commit blunders and his frailty at set-pieces.

Liverpool previously stated their interest in January 2007, but with Pepe Reina in dazzling form and manager Rafa Benítez happy with Charles Itandje as back-up, there is little prospect of the club stumping up the necessary cash come the summer.

Both Valencia and Milan are realistic destinations. The former have endured a miserable season and are unlikely to qualify for even the Uefa Cup next season - potentially a snag on any potential deal - but Amelia was enthused by their interest, “I’ve heard about Valencia, we’ll see at the end of the championship,” he said. “If they sold [Timo] Hildebrand, then it could be feasible.” Santiago Cañizares has been frozen out at the club by coach Ronald Koeman.

Finally, Milan’s ageing side is in desperate need of a revamp - and where better to start than in defence? Nélson Dida has once again demonstrated his exasperating inconsistency and lack of concentration this campaign and number two Željko Kalac is not getting any more agile at 35. Yet the club may not wish to splash millions on a goalkeeper, particularly if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Amelia could fetch in excess of £10m, but his transfer value would fall drastically should Livorno be relegated. They lie in seventeenth position and perilously close to the drop zone but it seems survival or otherwise, their star player will be leaving them at the end of the season, “Right now, I am focused on saving Livorno. But I hope President Spinelli won’t block me from moving to a big club in the summer.”

The queue for his signature has begun to form.

Antonio Cassano is an enigma in the mould of compatriot Francesco Totti.

He can act like a spoilt brat and make a coach tear his remaining hairs out with his impetuousness - ultimate Cassanata attributes - or alternatively, when in the mood, Cassano looks as if he could be Italy’s stand-out player, and playmaker, at this summer’s Euros.

The latter quality was on view in the Derby della Lanterna as his trickery and outright ability proved the difference between a point and three for Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. A high-tempo Derby it most certainly was, but the ‘home’ side, Genoa, provided little in attack and even less in terms of refinement and Samp, while possessing the superior players, were utterly profligate in front of goal.

A second draw of the season between these sides looked inevitable, and although Sampdoria dominated the second half, their failures in front of goal meant a share of the points could have been deemed a fair result, if only to teach a lesson to the visitors about the importance of taking chances. Yet a stalemate was avoided minutes before the end when the irrepressible Cassano finally got his reward for a sturdy performance in beautifully setting up a goal for Christian Maggio, who still needed two bites before stabbing the ball home, even then only via a deflection off defender Alessandro Lucarelli.

Maggio had proved wasteful but Cassano was the antithesis, using the ball with authority on every occasion he received it. Fouled throughout the afternoon, his creative flair was not to be suppressed however and after repeatedly threatening to breakthrough the defence, his footwork once and for all dumbfounded the Genoa back-line as he left two defenders behind, passed another and found Maggio.

Cue mass celebration from the Samp fans located behind that goal, though while Maggio was receiving the immediate plaudits from the tifosi and his team-mates, Cassano remained in the position from where he had made the assist, craving his own round of applause in typical Cassano fashion. But rapturous applause and acclaim was certainly warranted and the maturity of Cassano’s performance adds strength to the claims of the many who believe that he ought to be included in Roberto Donadoni’s Euro 2008 squad.

With former Azzurri playmaker Totti out of the picture, is it time for his heir to replace him? The comparisons must not be detailed however, as Cassano very much likes to be his own man while he will also be wary of Totti’s consistent failure with the national side despite shining at Roma.

Cassano’s problems have so far been at club level, with Roma and Real Madrid, but when predecessor Totti lost his head at Euro 2004, Il Talentino stepped in and impressed, scoring twice in that ill-fated tournament when just 21 years of age.

Now 25, Cassano has intimated a new maturity about both his persona and his play. The two coalesced on Sunday to produce a scintillating and match-winning display.

Consistency is now imperative in the final months of the campaign if he is to catch Donadoni’s eye, the coach having previously stated that the door is open to the former Bari man. It would always be a huge selection gamble on the ex-Livorno coach’s part and a potentially controversial choice, but the magic Cassano can bring to the field could prove decisive in any given game and the charismatic forward might prove to be the inspiration behind a successful Euro bid.