Pre-match: 2022 World Cup Oranje qualifying matches

Ouch, such terrible news... In spite of his technical limitation on field, every team needs a player-leader like Blind who plays smartly and with all his heart. Speedy recovery to him! Hope he makes it to Euro.

 

I’m not the biggest Blind fan, I think he’s too slow for a fullback and too light for a CB, not to mention defensively suspect. Bit of a jack of all trades but master of none type player. The Dirk Kuyt of defense so to speak.

However, I do agree that he’s a smart player, a great passer of the ball (I’ll never forget his pass to RVP vs Spain), and leaves it all out on the pitch. I think he would have made a great CDM.

If he doesn’t make the Euros than Wijndal will be our starting LB. Let’s hope he can play like he does with AZ for the NT as well. I think he just needs a bit more confidence.

I also don’t think it’s ever a good idea nor is it beneficial to incorporate a player last-minute after long-term injury for a big tournament. Lack of match rhythm plays a huge role in the desired/realistic performance trade-off.

Arjen Robben is one of the few players who didn’t seem to need match rhythm to hit the ground running. Most players do though.

 

Too bad for Blind.
Getting hurt on the crap field turf is just terrible for him.
I’ve certainly been critical of him because of his athletic limitations, but clearly he is a great passer of the ball and a very experienced, tactically aware player.
Big loss for Ajax in these European matches.
Wishing him a speedy recovery.

 

Yeah very lucky.
He's a really bad player there is no mincing words.

 

Incredible that Weghorst is constantly left out. It truly makes no sense.

 

Too bad for Blind. Great passer of the ball and a very calm collective professional. His experience will be missed.

 

Yes Frenkie needs to become much more of a threat.
Long range shooting is a MUST for him to work on.
He is so good playing between the lines. Very smooth and skillful

 

Koeman was unbelievable when it came to long range shooting and passing.
World Class player for me.

 

Wijndal needs to improve his crossing accuracy. He seems a little unsure of himself.
Regarding Robben, all I can say is how badly he is missed.
Watching Berghuis in his position is pretty shocking. I don't rate him at all.

 

Yeah I think a lot of the reason everyone is so disappointed with Berghuis is because we're used to having Robben there and know we should have had Ziyech there. Instead we have Berghuis. It's not really his fault because he's better than the alternatives, but that's about it.

 

I cannot stand the guy.
It’s hard to believe that he is even in the squad.
I’m literally tired of watching him attempt to play.
How can any Oranje fan want to see this continuous garbage?

 

What a player Koeman was and hopefully his tremendous skill as a player will run off on Frenkie.
Koeman’s work as Manager of Oranje has gone down the toilet with Frank now in charge.

 

If Robben was to find form I would take him over Berghuis immediately.
Not going to happen though.

 

What a shame how the KNVB screwed up with not selecting Ziyech.
How great would he look in the Oranje?
That said he has been slow to make his mark at Chelsea.

 

He’s been injured too which has not helped. Certainly Frank Lampard has his detractors.
Our universal pain with Frank De Boer is a whole different level mental torture.

 

Story of his career. Many injuries.
Way too much to ask of him I’m afraid, but what a sight he would be.
I’m dreaming I know.

 

Now that he's with Ajax and the Ajax biased coaches are bound to include him in the selection and/or the fielded team.
Enjoy being annoyed by him at Ajax. Hope he lives up to your expectations

 

The EURO final is a reminder of how important experience is in tournement matches.
Italy had the hardest travel through the rounds towards the final, with the physically most exhausting road too with an old squad, while England had the the eay road with only a big team in their way with Germany (coached by Löw!!) and physically less draining path, with one of the youngest teams in the tournement.
Italy's experience got them back on track after 20 minutes of "chaos" due to the counter attack first minute goal.

 

In my opinion, Italy tactic did not play well with England's 3-4-3 at the beginning, but Mancini made the right adjustment with off came Immobile in place of Berradi, Barella replaced by Cristante, freeing up Chiesa and Insigne. I also wonder if Southgate sub in Rashford, Sancho and Sarkar a bit too late. Jorginho and Verrati also played well, and Donnarumma came through even 2 Italian players failed with PK. Italy is the deserved winner, beating 3 strong teams in Belgium, Spain and England to win.