Ruud Strikes in European Classic

Scorer for Dutch
By Chris O'Brien
June 19 2004

Ruud Van Nistelrooy was on the scoresheet, but his goal which initially doubled the Netherlands' lead wasn't enough as the Czech Republic pulled off an astonishing comeback to beat the Dutch 3-2. The game will go down as one of the greatest in European international footballing history.

Manchester United's Ruud Van Nistelrooy was on the scoresheet and played a pivotal role in one of the greatest footballing spectacles in European Championship history.

Van Nistelrooy doubled the Netherlands' lead after 12 minutes following an opening goal from Wilfred Bouma after just over 3 minutes. The men in orange were looking on course to a tremendous victory, but the Czechs fought back in style to steal all three points justifying why they are many peoples tip to win the tournament outright.

Holland started brightly with Dick Advocaat clearly instructing his side to adopt an attacking mentality for the crucial Group D clash. His tactics paid off as Bouma got on the end of a swirling free-kick from ex-United target Arjen Robben to give the slight pre-match favourites an early-advantage.

The game continued at a fast pace with Clarence Seedorf and Milan Baros having chances at either end. It was the Dutch contingent of the packed-house at Aveiro who were celebrating again moments later, as United's Ruud Van Nistelrooy tapped home the Dutch's second from yards out.

Van Nistelrooy fooled the Czech defence by walking back from an off-side position, only to latch on to a beautifully squared pass from Robben. The Netherlands had started like a clockwork orange with their slick passing and movement terrifying the Czech defence.

However, Karel Bruckner's side didn't let their heads drop and found themselves back in the game only four minutes later courtesy of a close-range finish from Koller. Some superb counter-attacking play saw Liverpool's Milan Baros surge through the middle of the park before shrugging off a challenge from ex-United centre-half Jaap Stam and feeding the ball through to the awaiting Koller.

The Dutch responded with some explosive attacking football and were unlucky not to extend their lead as Edgar Davids smacked a long-range effort against the cross-bar. There had been chances at the other end through, with Koller coming close to securing a brace with his header denied by the agile Edwin Van Der Sar.

Neither manager made any chances at the break as the game kept its lightning pace from the opening period. Van der Meyde was denied by Chelsea acquisition Cech in the first action of the half, and moments later the lively Paulo Nedved was unlucky not to equalise as his powerful drive forced a save from Holland's keeper.

Robben begun to really come into the game causing the Czechs a host of problems down the left flank. The winger had a chance himself on the 50-minute mark, and set-up a chance for Ruud Van Nistelrooy moments later. However, to the surprise of the crowd, Advocaat took off the teenager who surely had picked up a knock during the game.

As the hour mark passed, the Czech Republic started surging forward in desperation as they searched for an equaliser. Forward Marek Heniz was introduced, but it was his strike partner Milan Baros was the hero for Eastern Europeans with the fourth goal of the game. Nedved, excellent throughout, found Koller in the Dutch box who brought the ball down with his chest towards the Liverpool striker who made no mistake from close-range.

As the game looked to be heading towards a draw, referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez sparked controversy by dismissing the Netherlands' Johnny Heitinga for a second bookable offence following a challenge on Nedved. The official is likely to take criticism for the decision amongst other things, as he failed to let a great game flow the way it should have done.

Despite being a man down, the Dutch continued to attack and played the better football immediately after the dismissal. The energetic Van der Meyde went close before being substituted in favour of full-back Reiziger. Clarence Seedorf also caused concern for the Czechs as his corner came so close to the head of Van Nistelrooy. However, the Czechs soon rallied and Paulo Nedved came close to getting the goal his performance deserved with his chance nearly beating Edwin Van Der Sar.

The winner came three minutes from time from another Liverpool player, Vladimir Smicer. The midfielder tapped the ball into an open goal from only inches out after club team-mate Baros had fed through substitute Heinz, who saw his shot rebounded by Van Der Sar only for Smicer to finish up from yards out.

A stunned Netherlands side through all 10 outfield players forward as they searched for an unlikely equaliser. Their display deserved a point at worst, but when Van de Vaart, heavily linked with Old Trafford, missed a late chance it was clear it wasn't going to be the Dutch's day.

The 3-2 victory sends the Czechs through to the quarter-finals, where they will face wither Sweden, Italy or Denmark. The Netherlands now need the Czechs to do them a favour against Germany in their final group game as hopes of a place in the last eight hang in the balance.

In a bizarre Group D, an unlikely set of results from the final set of matches could see under-dogs Latvia qualifying for the knock-out stages with only 2 points. They face a very tough game against Dick Advocaat's side though, who have taken only one point from their opening two matches.

Full Time - Netherlands 2-3 Czech Republic