Netherlands so-called golden generation (the Van Persies, Robbens, Sneijders) are found wanting again at the big stage after being outplayed and outwitted by a strong Germany team. The Oranje went down 2-1 to their fierce rivals in their second Group B match at Metalist Stadium in Kharkivin, Ukraine on June 13, 2012 in a must win game for them.Hulking striker Mario Gomez scored both Germany’s goals in the 24th and 38th minute after being set up, for both the goals, by influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. Van Persie pulled one back for the Netherlands with his long range goal in the 73rd minute but the Arsenal captain had a poor game by his standard missing two early chances that allowed Germany to settle, find their stride and score two first-half goals. Arjen Robben, who was a no-show at all, storming off the pitch when he was substituted by Dirk Kuyt in the 83rd minute showed how the Oranje game plan went for a toss. After the match Oranje’s coach Bert van Marwijk blamed the loss to Germany on a lack of defensive cohesion between the back four and midfield.
Mathematically speaking, Netherlands can still qualify for the next round if they beat Portugal in their final group game on June 17, Germany beat Denmark and the goal-differences going their way, which is highly unlikely.
In the earlier Group B match Portugal beat Denmark 3-2. Germany now tops Group B with six points followed by Portugal and Denmark with three points each. Netherlands are still yet to open their points tally.
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