Netherlands vs France

This afternoons match is the highly anticipated showdown between the Netherlands and France. France could really use a win here, and the Netherlands are riding the high of their dominating performance over Italy. With a win the Netherlands would clinch the group.

Running Commentary:

Final: 4-1 to the Dutch, who have looked fabulous against the champions and runner-up from the last World Cup. We now know that the Netherlands have won the group, and now both Italy and France become fans of the Dutch to at least draw Romania.

90th: GOAL: 4-1 Netherlands!!! Sneijder with a nice turn and great strike from 20 yards that goes off the underside of the crossbar.

90th: Robben misses by a narrow margin. We have 2 minutes of stoppage to play before it's in the books.

87th: Another good spot for a set piece for France. Ribery's shot gets over the wall, but also gets over the crossbar.

83rd: van Nistleroy comes close, the keeper backtracks to touch it wide.

77th: Dangerous free kick for France, looks to be Ribery. It is, and it's a chip to Henry who heads over.

75th: Anelka on for Govou.

72nd: GOAL: Arjen Robben slams the door on France's hope! 30 seconds after Henry scores Robben scores from a tight angle, beating Coupet near post.

71st: GOAL: Thierry Henry extends a lifeline to France, it's 2-1.

63rd: Good shot from Robben is saved.

59th: GOAL: Netherlands goes up 2-0 on an immediate goal for van Persie. Robben streaks down the wing, sends a great ball in and van Persie volleys in with his first touch of the ball. The shot was deflected and barely trickled over the line.

56th: The goal scorer is off, van Persie on for Kuyt.

54th: Wow, Henry blows a golden opportunity in alone on van der Saar who was out, but his chip is well high. Should have been better.

53rd: We're early in the second half, and Arjen Robben is on the pitch.

Halftime: The Netherlands will carry a 1-0 lead into the locker room.

43rd: Henry fires a bit high and wide.
34th: Great chances for France, first with a shot by Govou held well by van der Saar, then a 3 on 2 with a nice shot from Ribery met with a nicer save from van der Saar.

32nd: Yellow card to Makalele as his hand catches the face of van der Vaart.
31st: The Dutch are looking very good again today, crisp passing and meaningful possession.
22nd: Sorry for the lack of posts, minor technical difficulties at the office here! We're still at 1-0, and perhaps as a message to the players on the field, France has players off the bench and warming up.
9th: GOAL: Netherlands goes ahead 1-0 as Dirk Kuyt gets his header around Mallouda. Another great start for the Dutch.
1st: France has kicked off, here we go.
Pre-game: Thierry Henry will get the start here, immediately changing things for France. It looks like Ribery will be used a bit higher up than last game, more like a withdrawn forward.