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European Friendlies: Euro Contenders Left Hoping Exhibitions Are Mirages
Published: May 28, 2012
Just a week and a half out of the opening ceremonies in Poland and Ukraine, most nations took advantage of the gap between the end of the club season and the start of the international tournament to get their squads some warm-up time.
After all, most of the players hadn't played with their teammates for months, allowing for the possibility of past connections to rust.
Now, friendlies are meant to be low-pressure settings; they're more for practice and tactical planning for the coach than for competitive purposes. However, the performances of some of the top EURO 2012 contenders will be a concern for supporters, coaches and players alike.
Germany
Germany, the side who many are tipping to win the tournament, had a rough go in Basel. They were defeated by the Swiss 5-3, thanks in large part to a hat trick by Eren Derdiyok.
With the likes of Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski out there, it was a strong starting lineup. However, the Germans can take solace in the fact that none of the stars of Bayern Munich, who make up the core of the German defensive unit, were available for selection.
In the end, though, it was Switzerland's first victory over Germany in some 56 years, which leaves the Germans with a few questions.
Netherlands
Netherlands also had a rough go of it, at home in Amsterdam in a 2-1 loss to Bulgaria.
It's an extreme wake up call for the Dutch, as they played almost exactly the starting XI that is sure to start in June.
Two second half goals, including the Ilian Micanski's winner in stoppage time, canceled out Robin van Persie's opener and left the Netherlands reeling.
The loss opens more questions for Netherlands' defense, as it was the second time in a week that they w...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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