England - Netherlands (semi-final, 2am July 11): If they cannot win, Soughgate... will hardly 'return'

The Netherlands have been very successful in reaching the semi-finals of the EURO (although of course they would like to do more). In contrast, the semi-finals were never the 'target' that the English football world set for Gareth Southgate and his team. They had to go further!

Are you afraid of Koeman?

The only time the Netherlands won a major tournament (Euro 1988), Ronald Koeman and his teammates beat England 3-1 in the group stage. And the last time England were eliminated from the World Cup, Koeman was also the most talked-about star. That was the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, England only needed a draw away to the Netherlands to get enough points. Koeman escaped both a penalty and a red card in a tackle on David Platt, then opened the scoring. The Netherlands won 2-0 and eliminated England. Now, Koeman is facing an unexpected opportunity. If the Netherlands wins two more matches, Koeman will have the record of winning the EURO as both coach and player. The England team that stands in the way of the Netherlands' place in the EURO 2024 final is a team that has a lot of debt to Koeman. Of the four semi-finalists, England are the only team yet to win a knockout match in 90 minutes, while the Netherlands are the only team to have won all their knockout matches in 90 minutes. In terms of form, the Netherlands are clearly superior, with their image clearly improving after the group stage. In addition, looking back at their past head-to-head record, the Netherlands have no reason to fear England. They have won 4, drawn 4 and lost just 1 of their last 9 encounters with the Three Lions.

England team (left) determined to win the semi-final

Reuters

However, it is clear to everyone: the Netherlands are rated the lowest among the last four teams by both the betting market and the commentators. The pre-tournament target of Koeman and his team, like in recent major tournaments, is only to reach the quarter-finals. Since the "Bosman ruling" was born, Dutch football has suffered the most in Europe, and eventually the big clubs of this football country have given up on training, causing the Netherlands to lose the important qualities that once made the brand of this football country: the abundance of young talent and the ability to create creativity in playing style. In terms of force, England is superior. In terms of experience, England is also superior, as this is the third major tournament in which a team coached by Southgate has reached the semi-finals. The difference is clear: when the Netherlands are weak, it is first of all because they are not able to play better. When England is weak, people only talk about being overly cautious, or the poor coordination between the stars, rather than the issue of talent and class.

Overall, the UK is superior.

Tonight will be a match where the Netherlands can only gain (go further than desired) and lose nothing, while England is the team that has to protect its "top" position: try not to stumble and suddenly fall. The strengths and weaknesses of the Netherlands are quite clear. They have a very solid central defender pair Virgil Van Dijk - Stefan de Vrij, plus comprehensive offensive and defensive qualities. Cody Gakpo is shining in the attack, with Wout Weghorst always ready to play the role of "super sub".

England are rated higher

On the contrary, it is very difficult to identify the England team, when on the surface it seems that coach Southgate has not yet determined the perfect formula for himself. The only left-back in the England team, Luke Shaw, has just returned after many months of absence due to injury. Is this the right time for Southgate to put Shaw in the starting lineup? Marc Guehi has finished his suspension and will he regain his place from Ezri Konsa? Defending with 3 central defenders or 4 defenders is always a constant question. Of the last 4 teams, England is the most "vague" team, right from the format stage. No one dares to underestimate them, but it seems that they themselves cannot escape suspicion.

The Dutch team also has its own strengths.

Having not won a knockout match in 90 minutes, fatigue is a significant risk for England. Even captain Harry Kane was replaced in the second extra time of the quarter-final against Switzerland (in principle, striker captain Kane should be the one to be kept on the field to take 11m). The Netherlands may have more physical strength, having not played extra time in this tournament. Fortunately for Southgate, he has a "thick" squad of good players. On the one hand, Southgate can easily calculate strategies, can flexibly choose completely different options, including substitutions and changing the way of playing right in the match. On the other hand, the eternal advantage of a team with more force is that they are still not easily "predicted". Finally, England has the ability to shine of individuals. The Netherlands also has their own moments, but cannot compare with the ability to make a difference of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka or Kobbie Mainoo on the England side. This is always the difference in big games.

Player Que Ngoc Hai: England won 2-1

Of the four semi-finalists, the Netherlands are the underdogs, but they could be the most dangerous. I think they are good at taking chances, taking advantage of set-pieces because of their height. But England have just shown their best version of themselves since the start of EURO 2024. I expect them to win in 90 minutes, even if it is a bit difficult, with expectations placed on Jude Bellingham and hope Harry Kane and Phil Foden will shine. Prediction: England win 2-1.

Coach Nguyen Viet Thang: Netherlands lost 0-1

In terms of playing style, the Netherlands are better, but I think England will make it to the final. Teams that play tight defense will have a higher chance of advancing, as evidenced by the fact that 3 matches in the quarter-finals had to go to extra time. Prediction: Netherlands lose 0-1. Quoc Viet (score)

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/anh-ha-lan-ban-ket-2-gio-ngay-117-neu-khong-the-thang-soughgate-kho-ve-185240709205118296.htm