Weather Tonight: 14°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 22°c Sunny spells

Critics' Choice

Film

Derek Malcolm

quoteIt’s amazing to learn they did any research at all — unless it was into farting and foreskinsquote

Derek Malcolm Year One Theatre

Henry Hitchings

quoteThis will appeal to those who grew up with the book as well as to anyone seeking family-friendly entertainmentquote

Henry Hitchings Carrie's War Music

Rick Pearson

quoteWith a smile that splits her face, the frizzy-haired singer fills her songs with playfulness and wide-eyed wonderquote

Rick Pearson Regina Spektor

Reader reviews

Film

Russell. Hertfordshire

quoteIf you are feeling totally fed up with your lot at the moment with the economic squeeze - go see this filmquote

Sunshine Cleaning Theatre

Heather, London

quoteI thought this was an excellent, powerful production. The staging and acting were superb, it is well worth going to seequote

Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme Music

Debbie & Bill Holmes

quoteAbsolutely AMAZING show that went like a train for three hours solid and didn't waiver once!quote

Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band

Holland show their quality as Madrid star Robben helps sink Welsh rookies

Last updated at 23:44pm on 01.06.08

 Add your view

 


John Toshack's youngsters emerged bloodied but unbowed from the Feyenoord Stadium as Marco van Basten's Holland put the perfect finishing touch to their Euro 2008 preparations.

An inexperienced Wales team had been lined up for a slaughter as the Dutch wheeled out their big guns in the last warm-up before the championship starts on Saturday. Finishes fashioned at Real Madrid by Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were sufficient to seal victory.

Arjen Robben

Double Dutch: Arjen Robben fires past Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey in Holland's 2-0 victory

Wales boss Toshack hoped his side might pick up a few tips. The reality was a harsh lesson during which the visitors contributed to their own downfall.

Carl Robinson's misplaced header towards his defence enabled Robben to sneak in and fire across Wayne Hennessey for the opener with 10 minutes of the first half left. Free-kick specialist Sneijder wrapped up matters eight minutes into the second half.

Toshack said: 'We have to be realistic. It's a big step up for some of these lads. They are playing for the Stockports, Peterboroughs and Barnsleys of this world.'

The difference in quality was illustrated by a Holland bench including Wilfred Bouma, Mario Melchiot and Dirk Kuyt that had more Premier League experience than the entire Wales team. Edwin van der Sar, collecting his 125th cap, carried a bunch of flowers to his goal before the match.

The blooms were never in any real danger of being damaged.

Ryan Babel will miss Euro 2008 after injuring ankle ligaments in training. However, Holland hope to include him in their squad for the Olympics, which is unlikely to please Liverpool because the August tournament in Beijing clashes with the start of next season.


Bookmark and Share
 
 

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Your email address will not be published

Terms and conditions make text area bigger You have  characters left.


 
 


 
Promotions
 
London's Weather
Tonight
Partly Cloudy Night
14°c
Morning
Sunny spells
22°c
5 day forecast
 
 

Daily Mail Mail on Sunday Travel Mail This is Money Metro

Loot | Jobsite | Homes & property | London jobs | FindaProperty.com | Primelocation.com | Educate London | Holiday Villas