Germany hits Holland where it hurts

KHARKIV, Ukraine   ●    Two goals from Mario Gomez gave Germany a 2-1 victory over Netherlands in their Euro 2012 Group B match on Wednesday, putting them on the brink of the quarterfinals while the Dutch face a potential early exit.

But after today’s results, strange as it seems, the Dutch boys are still in it.

If the Germans in the next round defeat Denmark a 2-0 victory of Holland over Portugal still will bring them to the quarter finals.

But after today’s display there are not many gambling on that.

Once again, The Netherlands had a lot of possession, but could not press forward enough to bring trouble to the Germans.

Germany could, like Denmark, wait for the inevitable Dutch error and strike with a counter.

And with Mario Gomez in their midst that was ‘sliced cheese’ for Germany.

Gomez fired the Germans into a 24th minute lead after turning in the area and firing past keeper Maarten Stekelenburg following a superb Bastian Schweinsteiger pass.

The pair combined again 14 minutes later, with Gomez thundering in his third goal in two matches from the right before Dutch forward Robin van Persie cut the deficit in the 73rd with his first goal of the tournament.

On a hot and humid evening in eastern Ukraine, Germany, who had lost their second group games in the last two major tournaments, put in a performance worthy of their title favourites tag.

Yet it was the Dutch who had the first chance, midfielder Mark van Bommel sending English Premier League top scorer Van Persie clear but he was unable to beat keeper Manuel Neuer.

That chance triggered an instant reaction from Germany with Mesut Ozil’s volley rattling the foot of the post and the ball rolling into Stekelenburg’s hands.

Gomez, who scored the goal against Portugal, then took matters into his own hands again and, courtesy of another well-timed Schweinsteiger pass, spun in the area and coolly slotted the ball home to give Germany the lead.

The forward, who again started ahead of Miroslav Klose, added a second in the 38th with a fine drive from a tight angle.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk brought on Bundesliga top scorer Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Rafael van der Vaart at the start of the second half to add some urgency going forward but it was the Germans who kept piercing the Dutch defence at will.

But Neuer was called to the rescue, palming a Van Persie shot wide, while Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder’s curled effort on the hour sailed wide.

Van Persie was not yet done, though, firing into the net after 73 minutes to set up a nervous finale although the Germans held on for the victory.

Portugal have three points after beating Denmark, who also have three points, 3-2 in the earlier group game.