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THE QUARTER-FINALS - Sweden v Holland:
Updated: 02-Jul-2004
A game between two of the best attacking sides in the tournament promised a feast of goals and provided little, only really coming alive as a contest in extra time. Sweden rarely ventured out of their own half during the first 45 minutes, Svensson managing a shot on target just before the interval. In all, 24 fouls interrupted the flow of the game, but Robben, Seedorf, Reiziger and Cocu all took pot shots at the impressive Isaksson in the Swedish goal.
The second half continued in the same vein although Ibrahimovic, Ljungberg and Larsson all went close for the Scandinavians. At the other end, van Nistelrooy and Stam should have put the Dutch ahead, but it was only the introduction of Makaay for the out of sorts Van der Meyde that gave Holland added penetration. Two periods of extra time followed.
Makaay and van Nistelrooy both went excruciatingly close, while Seedorf’s free kick was kept out by Isaksson’s brilliance. At the other end, Larsson crashed a shot against the bar and Ljungberg was denied by the post. Penalties followed and Holland needed to break their 12-year jinx. Ibrahimovic was the first to miss for Sweden, parity being restored after Cocu shot wide for Holland. Van der Sar brilliantly saved Melberg’s attempt and 20-year-old man-of-the-match Arjen Robben stayed cool to slot home for victory. Dutch celebrations erupted in the Algarve stadium. Portugal are next.
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