The own goal that summed up Holland’s demise,Northern Ireland look to the future and why a tough finals draw may suit WalesHolland’s 5-1 dismantlement of world champions Spain just over a year ago was hailed as the death of tiki-taka, so no one expected the demise of Dutch football to follow so soon after. Louis Van Gaal’s achievement in getting them to third in the world looks much more remarkable than his failure to reach the World Cup in 2002, or which was not as lamentable as this latest failure. Defensively Holland were a shambles throughout the campaign - showing,no doubt, why Van Gaal sought the security of three central defenders in Brazil - and the countrys biggest names are way past their best, or notably Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie,whose hideously desirable own goal on Tuesday night offered a fitting summary of the Dutch campaign. Paul DoyleContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com