The Girl with the Goalden Boot

Monday, June 26, 2006

 

So, it's not just me...

SLAM! Sports: "Netherlands proved that winning the World Cup can't be done when the striker is on the bench... And in the closing moments, when a lone strike still could have saved the Dutch, Van Basten preferred to field PSV's Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Who?... "I am ready to do it for my country, but if you don't get a chance you cannot do anything," said Van Nistelrooy... creating something out of nothing in the box is Van Nistelrooy's trademark and season upon season in the Premier League he's proven he can do it." Read more

Marc Connolly of US Soccer Players: "While Russian referee Valentin Ivanov was writing up yellow cards for the Dutch and Portuguese players at a torrid pace during Portugal's 1-0 victory, he should carded Marco van Basten for the biggest injustice of the evening: not playing Ruud van Nistelrooy... a whole nation of fans has to wonder what might have happened in this World Cup had Van Basten's stubborn streak not clouded his judgment as to what was right and what was wrong." Read more

Blog FC: "Dirk Kuyt did nothing tonight to prove to any Premiership manager he’s worth buying. Holland desperately needed a goal and Robin van Persie provided two crosses which were crying out for a poacher like van Nistelrooy to put in but van Basten left him on the bench for the entire game." Read more

Orlando Sentinel: "Dirk Kuyt had a ton of go’s, but no results and he clearly got tired toward the end. Worst of all, Ruud van Nistelrooy rode the bench the whole game. Dutch coach van Basten told Britain’s Daily Mail that he felt Ruud was “techincally not good enough at the moment in the Dutch team.” Are you serious? How the hell do you not sub in Ruud?" Read more

The pain on their faces tell all...

Ruud determined to come on as a sub, but was not given the chance.


Robben.


Ruud consoles Robben and "rival" Kuyt.


Captain van der Saar and Ruud console Sneijder.


van der Saar and Ruud have been national teammates for some time, and also Manchester United teammates.


Ruud consoles Vennegoor of Hesselink.


Ruud consoles a very upset van Persie.


*hugs him* van Persie played so brilliantly, he provided some beautiful crosses to Kuyt, but those were mostly wasted. I wish he had a go at the free kick instead of Sneijder. The poor kid looks heartbroken.


Ruud thanks the Oranje Army for their support during the tournament. If he was bitter about being on the bench for the match, he wasn't showing it. And to come out after the match to console his teammates, and thank the crowd after what he's been through... no wonder we call him Van the Man. I can't imagine someone like that falling out with anyone.

Lola Nadal 3:25 PM