Rewind 1988

The Netherlands’ progress to the Euro 2004 semi-finals has shown remarkable similarities to their campaign in the same tournament 16 years ago when they won their only major trophy. Dick Advocaat seems to following the ’88 coach Rinus Michels. Against Germany, Advocaat deployed Rafael van der Vaart behind Ruud van Nistelrooy with Zenden on the left flank. Zenden was substituted at halftime, however, while Van der Vaart lost his place to Clarence Seedorf against the Czech Republic and has not played since. Michels had used Schip as right winger in the first match against with John Bosman leading the attack. After a surprise 1-0 defeat, Michels dropped Bosman and Van’t Schip, the fit-again Marco van Basten started the next game against England. Erwin Koeman was drafted into midfield, Michels never changed his side again and the Dutch cruised through to the final. Reuters