It cannot get bigger than this when runners up of the Euro 2008 Germany lock horns with the runners up of the FIFA World Cup 2010 Netherlands, in a Group B matchup of the Euro 2012. The match is billed as one of the best matches of the tournament and atmosphere would be electrifying when these two traditional rivals meet. Both the teams have had played some great matches in the past and this match should be nothing less.
Germany with a win in the first match would start on a much relaxed note but Netherlands who crashed to a shock defeat in their first match are in a do-or die situation. But whatever the situation, both these teams would want to get better of each other.
They are the football giants of the World and have some very good players in their ranks and in all likelihood the outcome of the pitch would depend as to how these players perform.
Here are some of the players to watch out for in the match:
Netherlands:
Wesley Sneijder: Sneijder had a pretty good outing in the last match, but unfortunately for him, he could not inspire the ‘Oranje’ to a victory. He would be the man who would be creating majority of the moves and lot would depend as to how he plays in the match. Germans know his quality and sure would have a strategy to contain him, because if he is able to break free then it would get very difficult for the opponents in the middle.
Arjen Robben: He was completely off colors in the last match and was seen in a woeful state. But that does not show his real class. He is a great player and would try and trouble the German defence on the right flank.
Robin Van Persie: He would be leading Netherlands’ attack and this deadly striker can score from almost all angles. He had a great season in the EPL where he was the highest goal scorer but could not do much in the previous game. Coach Joachim Leow would want him to fire on all cylinders today.
Germany:
Mario Gomez: He came into the tournament with a great form and that did show in the last match as he was the lone scorer in the match. If this young striker lives up to his reputation and is able to break free, he could run riot in the middle.
Thomas Mueller: He had a good run in the German Bundesliga, but however in the last match he could not exhibit the kind of football he did for Bayern Munich this season. He is a player of great quality and Netherlands would know it. He is sure to give the ‘Oranje’ defence some hard time in the match.
Philip Lahm: The Dutch would not only be wary because he would stand in their way on the right flank but also due to the right back’s ability to move forward and penetrate the opposition defence line. The skipper of the German team is sure to play a pivotal role in the match.
Indian Sports News Network
