The Netherlands played as well as they could but I don't think they had a single shot on goal. In truth, despite holding USA for more than an hour, they could and perhaps should have been out of the game by then; their keeper saved them on numerous occasions both before and after the two goals.
I think Sweden beating Germany did the Dutch a big favour on that side of the draw, and they were lucky to beat Japan, who arguably played the best football of the whole tournament during that game. Good side, no doubt, and worthy Euro winners (on their own patch?) but ultimately the Dutch were there for the taking in the final and the USA could probably have gone up a couple of gears if needed.
I think Sweden beating Germany did the Dutch a big favour on that side of the draw, and they were lucky to beat Japan, who arguably played the best football of the whole tournament during that game. Good side, no doubt, and worthy Euro winners (on their own patch?) but ultimately the Dutch were there for the taking in the final and the USA could probably have gone up a couple of gears if needed.
