Dutch morale broken, but still alive despite defeat by Germany

THE HAGUE - The Dutch national team suffered its second consecutive defeat at Euro 2012 against Germany on Wednesday, but despite a broken morale they still have a tiny chance of reaching the quarters.

After two consecutive defeats against Denmark (0-1) and Germany (1-2) the Netherlands can still reach the quarter-finals if the team beat Portugal with two goals difference (or more) on Sunday and Germany beat Denmark at the same time.

Netherlands' Robin van Persie challenges Germany's Mats Hummels during their Euro 2012 Group B soccer match at the Metalist stadium in Kharkiv, June 13, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Based on the level of play the Dutch media have little hope. The criticism in the media was fierce, noting a lack of discipline, lack of strength, lack of power, lack of position and lack of determination.

"New blow for Oranje," headlined newspaper De Telegraaf. "For the Dutch team the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine threatens to end in a fiasco. After the opening game against Denmark, Germany turned out to be too strong despite a good second half."

"Disappointing Oranje hands European Championships in hands of superior Germany," was headlined by the Algemeen Dagblad. "Who would have thought that one year ago, when the team still played as world runners-up?"

Netherlands' Arjen Robben falls down during their Group B Euro 2012 soccer match against Germany at the Metalist stadium in Kharkiv, June 13, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Coach Bert van Marwijk admitted Germany was the better side, but still saw some positive points. "The first twenty minutes were good," said Van Marwijkto TV channel NOS. "We've had decent opportunities, but if you want to beat Germany, you must be top. A few guys are not in shape. We have also not defended properly."

Van Marwijk kept faith in the team that lost to Denmark, with only Joris Mathijsen returning from injury. However, at halftime he finally had to do something. He replaced his son-in-law and captain Mark van Bommel by Rafael van der Vaart and brought Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for Ibrahim Afellay. Van Bommel reacted afterwards with tearful eyes.  "What matters is that the team wins," he said.

The hope is still there, but the odds are against the Netherlands, said both the media and the statistics. Beating Portugal is not an easy task. Holland only beat Portugal once in ten encounters, with three draws and the Portuguese winning six times. That one victory was on Oct 16, 1991 (1-0).