Dutch cheers, German tears
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Article summary
While Germany pack their bags, the Netherlands are looking ahead to the last eight after a "nerve-wracking" final night in Group D.
Article body
Netherlands 3-0 Latvia
There were huge celebrations in Braga after a nerve-wracking night. And a big thank you to the Czech team who knocked Germany out of the tournament. Dick Advocaat's team deserve a huge compliment for the way they pulled themselves out of the mire in the last few days. The question is where does the Dutch team really stand now. Are they suddenly favourites? That would be a bit too much to say. But it remains a fact that the team have got better with every match in Portugal. (Algemeen Dagblad)
The Netherlands got the three points they needed despite Latvia's efforts in the second half where they produced the same attacking football and unwillingness to play the underdog that they had shown in the first two matches. (A Bola)
Germany 1-2 Czech Republic
The end. Out. Finished. We fully deserve to be packing our bags after this 2-1 defeat against the Czech reserves. At least we were the clear winners in the stand yesterday. (Bild)
Goodbye Germany! This is the stuff of fantasy. The winning run at the EURO goes on as although coach Karel Brückner sent out nine reserve players, his team prevailed again. On top of it they managed to come from behind for the third game in a row. Germany, who played their do-or-die game, put the Czech team under huge pressure, but one breakaway decided it as Baroš applied the killer touch. (Sport)
