Lack of courage caused failure: Dutch boss

Van Marwijk bemoans team’s defensive frailties.

KHARKIV: The Netherlands’ coach Bert van Marwijk accused his defence of not showing enough courage as the Oranje lost 2-1 to Germany, their second straight defeat at Euro 2012.

Having suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Denmark on Saturday, Van Marwijk’s World Cup finalists now have to beat Portugal on Sunday while hoping Germany beat Denmark to avoid an early exit from Group B.

“We are disappointed we lost, we started well in the first 20 minutes we had a few good chances, then the first goal for Germany came from nothing,” said Van Marwijk. “We kept believing in ourselves and kept fighting. It’s unfortunate it went this way. We were more courageous going forward but we weren’t strong enough or courageous enough in defence.”

Van Marwijk added that the Germans have justified their status amongst the favourites.

“Germany have a very good team, it has been a while since they have had so many good players. They have creativity and score as they please, they are definitely favourites and deserve to be so.”

‘We’re on the right path’

Meanwhile, Portugal coach Paulo Bento said that they are on their way to securing a place in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals after their thrilling 3-2 win over Denmark.

“We have put together two good performances against two good sides and we are on the right road,” said Bento. “We will continue to score goals. Everyone wants contribute whether it is Cristiano Ronaldo or anyone else.”

Portugal play their next game against the Netherlands while Germany will tackle Denmark in the last round of group-stage matches on June 17.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2012.