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I think Holland are probably a little disappointed to finish 3rd considering how they started the competition with their demolition of Spain and Van Persie's goal probably will be one of the goals of the tournament.

Wasn't penalty but was a foul and a clear goal scoring opportunity so should have been red card for Silva

(12-07-2014 21:03 )Fernandez Esperenda Wrote: [ -> ]Before the tournament started we were clear favourites...

and that was not a pen, wasn't in the box, he wouldn't have done it otherwise..

Holland have achieved far more than they thought they were going to prior to the start of the tournament. The squad had not had time to gel and had quite a few newer players finding their feet. The Dutch fans did not have big expectations at all in the run up to the finals. A lot of praise must go to the manager, coaching staff and the team for, at times playing some attractive football.

^^ Agreed.

Louis Van Gaal has to be the manager of the tournament for me - regardless of what happens in the final. For me, Holland's expectations were lower than both Germany and Argentina's. Germany have been building steadily over the last decade and its no surprise that after constant progression they've now made the final again. Argentina would have fancied their chances with the conditions in a South American World Cup in their favour. Their ability to grind a result even when playing not particularly that well is also key.

But Holland had little expectation and Van Gaal's excellent tactical planning have swung their fortunes. Many were tipping them to miss out in the group to Spain and Chile and felt they missed their chance four years ago in the final. To have made the semis then finished third, and only lost one game (on penalties) is a good achievement considering the low expectations back in Holland.

(13-07-2014 17:40 )mikedafc Wrote: [ -> ]Wasn't penalty but was a foul and a clear goal scoring opportunity so should have been red card for Silva

(12-07-2014 21:03 )Fernandez Esperenda Wrote: [ -> ]Before the tournament started we were clear favourites...

and that was not a pen, wasn't in the box, he wouldn't have done it otherwise..

The rules are if a foul is committed outside the penalty area but it continues into the area then the referee can award a penalty. As Robben fell in the area then the referee made what he thought was the right decision. The hindsight of an instant replay would perhaps have changed his mind but there again stopping for every decision would probably change football itself...who wants to see American Football style interruptions every few minutes!
Silva is a quality defender but he was stupid to foul Robben like he did and where he did. The whole world with the apparent exception of Silva, knows that Robben will go to ground at the first opportunity.

Okay, big decision time now. Do I watch BBC or ITV ?

Neither!

http://www.estadiofutebol.com/gratis/sporttv

(13-07-2014 18:58 )circles_o_o_o Wrote: [ -> ]Okay, big decision time now. Do I watch BBC or ITV ?

how are you actually debating this?

Gotta be BBC all the way

(13-07-2014 19:16 )feetlover1 Wrote: [ -> ]how are you actually debating this?

Rhetorically