Euro 2008: What Makes Holland so Good?

Seven goals in two games against both of the World Cup finalists—that is what makes Holland so good, and the way they play has allowed them to achieve this incredible feat.

Holland are, in my opinion, the ultimate footballing team.

Firstly, they possess a world class goalkeeper in Edwin Van de Sar. They have players who will work from the first whistle to the last in Dirk Kuyt, Sneijder, and Boulahrouz (Chelsea fans must be wishing they never sold him after his performances so far), as well as players with the skills of Van Nistelroy, Van Persie, and Robben.

Then, there's the fact that they use this perfect balance of players to play football. You rarely see them diving, they don't berate the ref, unless he makes a blatantly ridiculous decision, and they have finally stopped fighting within the team.

Unlike Ronaldo during the Portugal game, every time Van Nistelroy did a trick or a skill against France, turning on the ball or stepping over it, there was a purpose, an end product that benefited the team, which on one occasion allowed Robben to sprint to the corner and deliver the cross for Van Persie to score a goal.

All these qualities are wonderful to see in a football team, but the thing I like most about Holland is that they never stop attacking.

Even when they were up 3-1, they continued going forward until the final whistle. They put men forward for set pieces even when it would be safer to sit back and protect their lead. This makes them a joy to watch, and allows them to keep the opposition on the back foot.

As a Liverpool fan, I have A LOT of experience of watching my team get a goal up, and then sitting back for the last 15 minutes and protecting their lead, making for a very nerve-racking and frustrating experience. They often succeed, but only because Jaime Carragher makes about 20 last-ditch tackles.

The fact that the opposition know that they cannot throw everyone forward towards the end allows Holland to control the game until the final whistle. This is not only because of Holland's persistent attacking, but also due to their lightening counter-attacks, which are magical to watch when they succeed.

I would love to see Holland and Romania qualify from their group, and Holland go on and win the tornament. I believe that they are perfectly able to do so, as long as the continue to play as they do at the moment.

Oh yeah, and they are the only team who could pull off an orange kit, class.