Euro 2008: Man of the Matches, June 13
ARJEN ROBBEN, HOLLAND. The Dutch playmaker showed that, even when he is not at full fitness, he still possesses an absurd level of talent. His goal to effectively seal Holland's 4-1 victory over France was pure class.
WHAT WE LEARNED FRIDAY
1. That Italy is not just dead yet. Thanks to Gianluigi Buffon's penalty save from Adrian Mutu, there is still hope going into the Italians' final game against France, but Roberto Donadoni's side is definitely on life support.
2. That Dutch coach Marco van Basten is not afraid to be unpredictable. Just when it looked like he would take a safety-first approach in the second half against France, he turned the screw and allowed flair players Robben and Robin van Persie to clinch a resounding victory.
WHAT WE WANT TO SEE SATURDAY
1. A proper goal celebration from David Villa if he scores against Sweden. Following his hat trick against Russia, the Spanish striker wrestled and cuddled with his teammates and even broke his own finger by accident. He's getting enough practice at this to have come up with a better celebratory routine by now.
2. To see who is worse: Greece or Russia. Both teams were heavily defeated in their opening games, but the defending champion Greeks were particularly inept.
