France beaten badly by charismatic Dutch 4-1

France's defense, and goalkeeper Gregory Coupet, were hammered by the Netherlands for 4 goals. France actually played fairly well in stretches, and created many chances to score, but on 4 occasions, France couldn't keep the Dutch out. Malouda was beaten badly for the opener, letting Kuyt head a goal into the back of the net. Holland's 2nd, 3rd, and 4th goals were from open play: Arjen Robben setting up the 2nd and scoring the 3rd.

It was football from the Dream Factory from the Dutch, and France's defense and goalkeeper were badly over-matched.

The value of France's consolation goal cannot be overestimated: it was one nice moment in what has been a Euro 2008 implosion for France. Sagnol, who was beaten badly and repeatedly by Holland's attack, sent in a nice cross, and Henry put it away with a nice touch. Henry had blown a good chance earlier.

Domenech cut a hapless figure on the touchline. The change at left back from Abidal to Evra apparently didn't help France's defensive ability, but Evra did look useful going forward.

I wonder if Benzema is injured? In addition to being a goal threat, he could have put pressure on the Netherlands, so they weren't quite so free to rampage forward, but he didn't start and never came on.

If I were in charge of Holland, I'd be tempted to throw the game against Romania to knock France and Italy out of the tournament. It would be just reward for their unseemly under-achievement.