Dutch dilemma

So Marco van Basten’s imperious Oranje Army find themselves atop their Euro group with every team’s fate in their hands. Good times for the dyke-builders. No-one can deny them their position after two absolutely magnificent victories, I daresay their third goal against France and their second against the Azzuri were the best examples of counterattacking football at that level for many a year.

Now the situation as it stands is that Holland are guaranteed to finish top of the group regardless of what happens in the last round of matches. Romania could sneak through to the second round with five points if they beat Holland. Italy and France need to beat one another, and hope Holland do no worse than draw. Or to put it the way most have since Friday, Holland could eliminate two of the deadliest teams from the tournament by simply not trying too hard. Italy have not lost a knockout game in 90 minutes since 1986 (incidentally this was against the French, led by Michel Platini), and the Dutch would be well aware of this. France had a slow start to the last World Cup before storming through to lose the final on penalties (this was with the immense influence of one Zizou of course). So the Dutch know that a repeat of their victories is anything but a fait accompli.

Question is, should they play to look for their interest? I think they should, it’s not their fault Italy and France were woeful in their opening matches. What do you think, dear reader?

PS Italy were in a similar situation at Euro 2004, being knocked out after Sweden and Denmark played to a 2-2 draw that sent both through to the quarters at the Azzuri’s expense. Déjà vu anyone?