Netherlands and the great Brazilians

The Dutch
After putting a total of 7 goals past the Italians and the French defense, the odds for them winning the tournament would definitely have dropped by some considerable amount. The way that the Dutch controlled both matches is astonishing considering that the Italian stronghold was dubbed the strongest in the world (Imagine having to go pass Gattuso, Cannavaro and Buffon to get a goal). But a week before the tournament Cannavaro did a shocker and got injured in training, the little maestro of defense so pinnacle to Italian's success was gone, and how did the Dutch reply? By smacking in 3 goals and making the Italian defense look like inexperienced part-timers. The goals weren't spectacular, they were a result from avoiding the marker and being first to the ball, simple stuff. However, the Dutch have other teams in awe because throughout their matches, they have looked to comfortable in possession. When you looked at the French side, they honestly looked like the ball was going to explode in their faces if they had it for more than 2 passes. The Dutch comfortable on the ball was able to stroke it around with easy and then launch the ball when the opportunity came like the build up to Kuyt's goal. Netherlands controlled the game and made their oppositions sit in their own half, some people have even gone as far as saying that this team plays like the 1970 Brazilian team. A strong statement but their win against France really shows us why this comparison has been made.

1970 Brazilian team
With the like of Pele, Tostao, Carlos Alberto, Rivelino, Gerson, Jairzinho and many others, attack was unlimited. If you score 5 goals against them they will get 6, you get 7 they will get 8. Their attacking prowess was so great that they nearly had a shot at goal ever other minute in the World Cup final in which they won 4-1 against Italy. The ability to play such attacking football has never been seen since and that is why they aer regarded as the best team of all time.

The Netherlands showed that kind of quality during their three matches and looked like they have to ability to score at ease when they want and how many they want. The quality goals that they got really showed how potent the team is and how even the Italian defense can't contain the now favourites for the tournment.