MATCH 27 REVIEW : DUTCH PROGRESS DESPITE NO PRACTICE

In so many recent major finals, the Netherlands have endured the shattering heartbreak of elimination on penalties. In a nerve-wracking climax to follow 120 tight and tense minutes in Faro-Loulé, the 'Oranje' finally laid to rest their spot-kick hoodoo to book a UEFA EURO 2004™ semi-final place and foil Sweden's hopes of European glory.

Previous agony
The EURO '92 semi-final against Denmark; the EURO '96™ quarter-final against France; the 1998 FIFA World Cup semi-final against Brazil; the UEFA EURO 2000™ semi-final against Italy; all were lost by the Dutch in penalty contests. This time, at long last for them, the Netherlands won the battle of nerves and now continue their roller-coaster Portuguese adventure.

No penalty practice
A week ago, coach Dick Advocaat was facing the music from the Dutch press and public after his side lost a two-goal lead to the Czech Republic. Now, after a record 54th match in charge, the Little General prepares for Portugal. "We actually didn't train [for penalties], because I still think it's like a lottery," he explained. "The quality of the players is what matters. I was not involved when the Netherlands lost previous shoot-outs."

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