INTERNATIONAL

• Half-time report Germany vs. Netherlands

  
  

  Porto, Portugal (Sports Network) - Germany and the Netherlands were the last two teams to kick off their European Championship run in Portugal. Germany and the Netherlands are both seen to be top contenders for the European title, which makes this match extremely important for both side to come out on top, and probably to most exciting matches in Group D. At half-time the German side is leading the Dutch side 1-0 after a dead-ball goal the 29th minute.

  The German side started off in a 4-1-4-1 formation, this formation gives them structure through the midfield and defense and also allows the wingers to roam freely up front when ever the opportunity presents itself.

  The Dutch on the other hand went with a 4-3-3 formation, this also allows them to try to control the midfield as well as up front, but the wingers are not free to roam because they will lose their shape and therefore miss their marks.

  As referee Frisk started the game off, the Germans took the ball through their midfield and strung a number of passes together before the Dutch ever touched the ball.

  The Dutch though were the first to penetrate in the third minute when The Dutch stopper Cocu chipped ball over the German defense that was just out of the reach of the striker van Nisterrooij.

  In the 12th minute the German striker is rewarded with a yellow card when he reached up and hit the ball with his hand on net.

  A great delivered corner hit by Schneider was a perfect chance for Germany to take the lead in the 24th minute, but Worms header hit the ground and bounced over the net.

  Central defender Cocu received a yellow card in the 29th minute for his dangerous challenge. As a result the German winger Frings hit the free-kick from the side-line and found the back of the net.

  The best Dutch effort came during the 42st minute when number Van der Vaart turned the ball outside his defender and struck a shot across the box the beat the goalkeeper but miss the inside of the post by just inches.

  The first half was filled with defensive stands, both sides were playing back, giving the other side respect not wanting to give up the first goal in their group play. After the dead-ball goal the German side started to push forward allot more, looking to add on to their lead. The lone striker up front aided the German efforts because much of the first half was played in the midfield, and with only one man up-front it allowed them to have four men in the midfield.

  06/15 15:40:10 ET