Holland crush Italy 3-0

The Netherlands pulled off one of the biggest shock of Euro 2008 so far as they romped to a 3-0 victory over World Champions Italy on Monday night. The Dutch were absolutely sensational throughout, and goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and van Bronckhorst saw them on their way.

Holland have seen their odds cut to 5-1 after this impressive victory over a weak looking Italy side, which bare little or no resemblence to the Italians who were victorious in the World Cup in 2006.

The Netherlands on the other hand were simply magical, their passing and counter attacking was beautiful and the strength in the midfield was evident as they saw off the Azzurri in a very one-sided encounter.

Van Nistelrooy had a great chance in the 18th minute when he broke in alone on Gianluigi Buffon, but the Real Madrid striker lost control of the ball and the chance went begging.

It didn't take much longer to get the first, and six minutes on Ruud van Nistelrooy but the Netherlands 1-0 up to send the travelling Dutch supporters into raptures, as the Dutchman deflected Wesley Sneijder's goalbound shot past Buffon.

The second one was simply magical though, as the Dutchmen played sleek silky football to take the ball from their own area, Van Bronckhorst cleared the ball off the line before Dirk Kuyt made a wonderful run and cross in for Sneijder who slotted the ball home on the volley.

Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar made a pair of brilliant saves on Fabio Grosso and Andrea Pirlo late on, but the game was to have one more as Giovanni van Bronckhorst finished off another silky counter attacking move to wrap up the result and give Holland the perfect platform for a successful tournament.