Netherlands 1 - 2 Germany (full-time) UPDATED

Another disastrous performance from Netherlands, as the Dutch players look unable to communicate with each other, showing no want to win the match. Holland started on the right track, Arjen Robben made a through pass to Robin van Persie, but the latter slipped before reaching the ball. The Dutch in the first minutes looked more likely to score, as the Germans were looking to be unable to cope. Another long ball seemed was again passed to Van Persie, and with a difficult shot he tried his best, but the ball went safely in the hands of Manuel Neuer. But Germany responded with Mesut Ozil, when his shot hit the post with the rebound ending in the hands of Stekelenburg. Van Persie again was presented with a shot, but the shot went wide. Germany had another chance when Mario Gomez headed to Ozil, but the shot was blocked. The half saw also Robben and Badstuber heads' clash, with Robben having to get treatment. Germany scored some time later, as Gomez collected a beautiful pass, turned towards the goal, and slid the ball past Stekelenburg.



The defeat incredibly will not put Germany through, and Netherlands are neither out, but a loss would complicate things for the Dutch. Van Persie tried to find Sneijder but the pass ended way above him, as Holland seemed without ideas. Germany could have doubled the lead when Badstuber was left unmarked and nodded the free-kick of Ozil, but saw Stekelenburg save the header. But Germany made it 2, as Schwensteiger passed the ball to Gomez and with a beautiful shot made it 2-0. Germany could also increased the lead late in the half as the free-kick from Ozil, deflected on Robben and went nearly in if it wasn't for Stekelenburg. However the corner was not taken as the referee whistled for the end of the first half.

2nd half

Netherlands tried to change things immediately in this half as there were 2 changes Afellay replaced by Van der Vaart, and Van Bommel replaced by Huntelaar. Howeer Germany were the dominant team in the beginning of the first minutes. Netherlands seemed unable to cope as Germany dominated possession and even field. Germany attacked Holland but their main aim was not to concede so they were wary at the back. the first shot was presented to Hummels as he dribbled past the Dutch players and his shot was parried by Stekelenburg, Hummels pounced on the rebound and Stekelenburg saved the shot into a corner. The substitutions were still noneffective, and many were predicting more goals for Germany rather than Netherlands getting a goal. Sneijder delivered a good ball into the box, Mathijsen headed the ball, but it was an easy defending for the Germans. the first big chance for the Dutch came from Sneijder as his shot went wide, but only just. Germany started to operate from the counter, with the Netherlands looking to defend better.



Gomez was the man giving trouble to the Netherlands defense, as again he dribbled past 2 players, entered the box from a narrow angle, tried a shot but went out of bounds, although you have to say that Stekelenburg was there. netherlands had a golden opportunity after good work from Van Persie, he passed to Sneijder and he fired a shot, but it was blocked by Boateng who appeared to be out of breath from the shot! 2 minutes later Van Persie again turned beautifully, and fired a fantastic shot, which Neuer was not able to get to, to put Netherlands back in the match. Ozil responded by a good run, but a clean tackle from De Jong cleared the danger away. Van Persie again found some space, passed it to Huntelaar, but the striker could not keep the ball in his feet. Both teams searched for the goal, as Germany wanted to close the game, while Holland wanted to equalize. Both teams appeared exhausted, but there was controvery also when Robben was substituted, as he did not take it so well.