Holland have once again flexed their muscles after beating France 4-1 in the Group C clash in Berne. Dirk Kuyt put the Dutch in front with a first-half header, substitute Robin Van Persie doubled the lead in the second half, but Thierry Henry pulled one back for France. However, the classy Oranje added two absolute scorchers from Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder to book their place in the quarters. Holland have six points in first place, while France become tied with Italy before both sides clash in the group finale. Henry started for France, but there was no Patrick Vieira as the skipper is still nursing a thigh injury. France's starting line-up also included Sidney Govou and Patrice Evra, whilst the Dutch applied no changes to the side that thrashed Italy. Kuyt Opener Les Bleus were off to an awful start as Kuyt found the net after just nine minutes, capitalizing on poor marking by Florent Malouda, before heading in past Gregory Coupet from a corner. France's search for an equalizer prompted some fine saves from the in-form Edwin Van der Sar, who thwarted Govou (twice) and Franck Ribery. Henry came close before half-time, but his long-range effort went wide as Holland ended the first half in front.
Robben Effect Marco Van Basten fielded the fit-again Robben at half-time, with Orlando Engelaar making way for the Real Madrid winger. France piled more pressure on the Dutch defense in the second, which included a couple of genuine chances for Les Bleus inside the opening eight minutes. Henry's point-blank attempt was blocked by Andre Ooijer, but the French called for a penalty as the ball hit the Dutch defender's arm. Henry was involved again eight minutes after the break, but France's all-time leading goalscorer astonishingly missed a one-on-one situation, sending a poor lob over Van der Sar's bar. Ten minutes later, the French were harshly punished when Robben dashed in the left flank, before sending a brilliant cross to Van Persie, who volleyed easily for the second. Raymond Domenech introduced Bafetimbi Gomis, but the St Etienne striker couldn't have had a worse game. In the 71st minute, Henry made amends to his earlier miss, steering home from six yards, following a fine cross by Willy Sagnol. However, the French celebrations lasted for no more than 30 seconds as Robben once again capitalized on the acres of space behind Sagnol, who looked way out of position. Robben darted into the French penalty area, before hitting the roof of the net from an impossible angle. The goal of the day came from the on-fire Sneijder, who twisted and turned before smashing a wonderfully-placed shot into the top corner of the net.
