Holland vs. Germany Preview

Holland go into their crunch Euro 2012 grudge match with arch enemies Germany on Wednesday June 13 needing at least a point following their shock opening game defeat to Denmark.

Kharkiv will once again be the venue for Bert Van Marwijk’s side who failed miserably in living up to their high pre-tournament billing against the Scandinavians.

Although the Dutch dominated for long periods, over 25 efforts on goal failed to hit the net and Michael Krohn-Delhi’s 24th minute strike against the run of play was enough to secure a remarkable victory for the Euro 1992 champions.

Now, defeat against Germany is almost unthinkable for Holland who will almost certainly be eliminated if that is indeed the case.

Germany began their camapaign with a tight 1-0 success over Portugal which came courtesy of a well guided header from target man Mario Gomez.

The match overall was a fairly dull affair which looked destined to finish goalless until the Bayern Munich forward got on the end of a delightful cross from club teammate Thomas Muller. It almost seemed as if both sides had changed their approach to the contest following Holland’s slip up earlier in the day and the best of Portugal was only really seen once they had fallen a goal behind.

And in truth, Germany were perhaps a little fortunate and flattered to claim all three points as it was their opponents who created the most clear cut chances.

The big factor for Germany is the likelihood that they will improve as the championship progresses and the way they ground out a result against Portugal when slightly below par indicates if nothing else that they are a strong outfit. And Holland may well have to deal with a markedly better Germany on their return to Kharkiv, especially as confidence will be high after a positive start. By contrast, the Dutch are likely to be low on dressing room spirit after such a disjointed performance and Van Marwijk will be tempted to shuffle his pack.

Arjen Robben’s place in the starting eleven will definitely be under threat whilst Kevin Strootman could replace Nigel De Jong.

Germany should remain unchanged barring any injuries although they may look to play Lukas Podolski in a more central, supportive position to Gomez as he was largely ineffective out wide against the Portuguese.

Regardless of Holland’s dire display in match day one, games between these two nations are usually nip and tuck and it is hard to get away from the draw at a decent 5/2. Germany do make appeal at 7/5 taking into account how woeful the Dutch defence was against Denmark, nevertheless things are likely to be pretty cagey and the Germans would probably be content with a point to add to the three which they banked against Portugal.

The Dutch may well stand on the brink however if Mezut Ozil and Thomas Muller hit top form and an early goal would of course change the entire complexion of this highly anticipated Group B clash.

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10/06/2012     © Frixo 2026