Netherlands- France

The second round in Group C could decide the future of some EURO 2008 favorites. After not too shinny form against Romania France will face the team who has showed the best football at EURO 2008 so far. Van Basten’s team impressed against Italy and now have a chance to qualify for quarterfinals after just two rounds.

If you try to make a team of the first round I bet that you will pick up the most players from Oranje squad. At first some experienced players like Van Bronckhorst and Van der Sar have a became a real leaders on the pitch and directly had influence on result. Van Bronckhorst showed his huge potential in counterattacks, experienced goalkeeper saved a Pirlo’s shoot and make opportunity for counter attack which resulted with goal. On the other hand Sneijder, Van Nistelrooy and Kuyt have done huge job in offensive tasks, while Boulahrouz was great in defense and he is the reason why (besides Van Der Sar) Italians didn’t score. Obviously, Van Basten made a powerfull team and know his decision to count on younger players at Germany 2006 has a real weight. All his criticizers know are without any negative comment. However, another though task is in front them and we will see is the match against actual World Champions just an occasion.

Runner-ups from the last World Cup didn’t impress in their the first appearance at EURO 2008. France team was just the shadow of the power full team who took silver spot at Germany two years ago. It was obvious against Romanians that they don’t have a idea how to make pressure and chances in attack. In my opinion problem is in the mid-field where their creativity is stopped with explicit tasks which every player has to do. Controversial Domenech’s decision sometimes make all team confused. I believe that his future on France bench is on question mark. Only some huge changes in heads of his players could take back France team on the position where they deserved. Huge quality is dropped down due to some astrological aspects that Domenech uses. The most of players are unsatisfied with positions in the team and it is hard to believe that they could give their best in these circumstances.

As you can conclude I will go with Oranje here. It is hard to bet against the France team, but without form they just have names which will build up the bookmaker’s odds. I will try to use this opportunity, but in the same time stake could stay in some lower level. Bet 6 on Netherlands against France with PaddyPower at 2.75