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How Italy vs. Netherlands Reflected Well on Van Gaal’s World Cup Performance
Published: September 5, 2014
The outcome of the match was somewhat of anomaly. After barely 10 minutes of playing time, Dutch defender Bruno Martins Indi had been sent off for slightly shoving Simone Zaza, the Italian striker who had broken through the Dutch defensive line and was technically denied a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Nonetheless, the result must have presented Hiddink, who would have liked to instil some confidence in his troops at the start of his reign, with a bit of a headache. Even with Martins Indi’s sending off taken into consideration, the Dutch looked utterly incapable of resisting the Italian Blue hordes.
In many ways, the result was also a condemnation of Hiddink’s decision to return to the 4-3-3 formation the Dutch public seems to love so much. As Dutch romantics like to point out, this setup can indeed be seen as an inherent part of the "Dutch school" of football. Against Italy, however, it proved wholly ineffective.
In midfield, the Netherlands’ Nigel de Jong, Georginio Wijnaldum—who in due time might be replaced by a fit Kevin Strootman in the starting XI—and Wesley Sneijder were overrun by the Italians, who concentrated the bulk of their players in the centre of the park as usual.
Up front, sole striker Robin van Persie seemed isolated and unassisted by wide men Dirk Kuyt and Jeremain Lens, who neither looked like traditional wingers nor inside forwards.
Although the Dutch defensive line has improved in stature since the World Cup, the likes of Stefan de Vrij and Daley Blind now playing for Lazio and Manchester United respectively, they too were unable to physically impose themselves or bring t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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