Netherlands Draw, Turkey and Ireland Win Friendlies

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored the Netherlands only goal in a draw against Denmark in a friendly as the team prepares for Euro 2008. Christian Poulsen scored the tying goal for Denmark.  The 1-1 draw could easily have seen a number of goals as both teams had excellent chances.  The lack of defense is a major concern for the Netherlands as they prepare for Euro 2008. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was not pleased with the defense in front of him. The goal that they gave up to Poulsen was not Van der Sar’s fault.
"It was silly how we conceded that goal," said Van der Sar. "You get sick of that." Denmark had little to play for and is not in Euro 2008.  The Netherlands opens play in Group C against World Champion Italy.  They also play France and Romania in a very tough grouping. 

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The good news for the Dutch is that they have offensive talent. "We have to make sure that we slot a few more goals and everything will be fine," Van der Sar said. One of the key players will be Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The forward is in his third straight major tournament with the Netherlands but at 32 years old, knows his time is coming to an end. He underwent ankle surgery earlier this year but returned to score important goals for Real Madrid as they won a second straight league title. "It was only a small operation," Van Nistelrooy said. "My career was never in danger."  He is a key player for the Dutch if they are to have a chance in Euro 2008. "Every time you put on that orange shirt it gives you that special feeling," Van Nistelrooy said. "It never changes."

In other friendly action, Turkey got a 2-0 win over Finland in their final friendly before next month’s tournament.  Tuncay Sanli scored in the first half and Semih Senturk added a second half goal. Turkey will play the Czech Republic, Portugal and Switzerland in Group A in the Soccer Betting Euro 2008.

Robbie Keane scored for Ireland as they defeated Colombia in a friendly.  It was Keane’s 33rd international goal.  He scored early when when his shot was deflected past goalkeeper Robinson Zapata by defender Elvis Gonzalez.
Goalkeeper Dean Kiely was the star for Ireland in the match as he turned a number of good chances away.  He made a great stop on Escobar and turned away Garcia and Perea in injury time. Ireland will now prepare for World Cup qualifying which begins in September.

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