West Germany v Netherlands Semi Final 21-06-1988
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00:00Germany twice winners in 1972, in 1980 and their skipper Matheus Kien to make it a third
00:10victory.
00:11There's the man with the bullets and there's the man with the whistle, the Romanian referee
00:18Ian Inge.
00:24So here we go then with a match that promises high class, glittering quality and the sharp
00:31competitive edge that every cup tie should have.
00:36The Dutch in their famous orange shirts attacking the goal to our left, West Germany in white.
00:47Wolff whose job might well be to mark Ruud Gullit.
00:55The Dutch seeking revenge of course for their World Cup final defeat back in 1974 in Germany.
01:05Their manager then is their manager now, Thon trying to get away from Wouters, a foul by
01:13the Dutchman.
01:20So a free kick now to West Germany, Andy Bremer again playing on this right hand side as he
01:26did against Spain.
01:27Such a strong left footed man.
01:31Klinsmann will be a target up there, little turns in there who scored one stunning header
01:36already in this tournament.
01:38Voller very active indeed, the ball curled in and it was Rijkaard who got the header
01:43away.
01:45Kannenberg, Rolff, a frantic pace in these opening moments and now Bremer is also sticking
02:03fairly close to Ruud Gullit.
02:08A free kick then to Holland, a long way out, it shouldn't trouble the German defence too
02:12much.
02:13But Koeman's shot straight at Immel, Matheus, oh that back pass, Koeman very nearly putting
02:33Holland in the most terrible trouble and Frank Neal is sent crashing to the ground by Van
02:40Broekelen and by the way Van Broekelen, oh there was the clash and by the way Van Broekelen
02:46went on at Frank Neal, you get the impression that the Dutch goalkeeper felt he was making
02:51rather a meal of it.
02:52It was pretty unpleasant and all the time we're talking, FlĂŒgler is warming up because
02:56Borovka is having some running repairs on the touchline and is fit to go on.
03:02The free kick taken, it's with Klinsmann, oh good ball there to Bremer, oh and over
03:12the top from Woller, the first half chance of the game and Woller made nothing of it.
03:26Oh that's a good situation for him, wasn't right in front of him unfortunately but Woller
03:30particularly in view of the fact that he's on the goals at the moment, he'll be very
03:33disappointed he didn't make a better situation from that.
03:37I think what we've been worrying to both managers at the moment Brian is the fact that everything
03:42that's gone into the penalty box at both ends through the air, there's always looked a chance
03:46for the strikers.
03:47I mean the Dutch have had a few good touches in the box in the air as well.
03:51Van Basten with a touch there, oh a tremendous shot by Koeman just wide of the German goal.
03:59Koeman's left foot shot, in high class stuff, played at a strong pace, Rijkaard getting
04:12up well, Borovka, cross coming in again and it was Köhler's header that cleared the Dutch
04:21crossbar.
04:22Well up well the defender, a sad sight for German aspirations, Ulit, there's his cross
04:41coming in towards Van Basten and it's wide under pressure from both Eike Immel and JĂŒrgen
04:50Köhler.
04:55Delightful ball played in again by Ulit, up goes Van Basten, Ron Atkinson.
05:00Brian they can't deal with the big fella on the back stick can they?
05:02Every time the ball's played in and Van Basten takes up this back post position they've got
05:06no answer to in the Germans.
05:08Actually I don't know how good Pfluger is but one thing's for sure I think he'll be
05:12a better player defensively for them I would think than Hegger.
05:16I think this fella's had a nightmare of a tournament, that just about sums this tournament
05:20up actually.
05:21Well a poor chap, it started badly for him when it was his mistake that gave away a goal
05:24to Italy if you remember in the opening game.
05:26Pfluger's played six times for the West Germans and plays for Bayern Munich, he's a good defender.
05:36Klinsmann to MatthÀus, a chip on for him, little tones getting in there and it was Vandenberg
05:43who got it back.
05:47So you have to have a certain sympathy for the West Germans, losing Litvarsky just before
05:51the kick-off and now although in fairness he hasn't had the best of tournaments, Ergatz
05:57just before half-time, they've really had to rearrange things.
06:01Van Basten, they're into time, added on, and Voller to Bremer.
06:16Not off-gap.
06:17Certainly you get the impression the Dutch couldn't have a better opportunity to break
06:26this long sequence without a victory, 32 years, than here in Hamburg tonight.
06:36Van Basten looks so lively and was taken from behind by Köhler, a free-kick.
06:45I think, Brian, if the Dutch were playing anybody else but the Germans, I think you'd
06:49say that they'll win this hands down.
06:56Out of nothing they get results, we've seen it so many times over the years and quite
06:59frankly what's to say this won't be the same?
07:05Two minutes of injury time played at the end of the first half, Hullert jumping for this
07:08one and winning it.
07:09Bremer's left foot getting West Germany out of a spot.
07:14Up goes Rijkaard, wins that comfortably above Rudi Völler.
07:18As the half-time whistle goes, and a splendid first half, even without a goal, comes to
07:24an end.
07:25Here in Hamburg, it's West Germany nil, it's Holland nil.
07:40West Germans then, in the white shirts, get this second half underway, they attack the
07:45goal to our left.
07:48With what appears to be Wolfgang Rolfe, the number 20, taking Ergert's place as the sweeper,
07:55I wonder what they were going to do because FlĂŒgler plays full-back for Bayern Munich
07:59and FlĂŒgler in fact playing in his accustomed left-back position.
08:07Koeman towards Van Basten and FlĂŒgler getting involved very hurriedly but conceding the
08:15free-kick to Holland.
08:23Renus Mikkels said it'll be very close and that's exactly the way it is.
08:30The Koeman brothers behind this and Mateus and Tone ahead of them.
08:39Touched by Vandenberg it'll be, maybe for a left-foot shot then by Erwin Koeman and
08:43Völler's got a retreat a yard or so.
08:47Maybe they'll change their mind.
08:48Vandenberg, no it's to Koeman, strikes the ball straight at Rudi Völler who at the point
08:54of impact couldn't have been more than a couple of yards away.
08:58A throw then to the Dutch, Van Aal with it, Vandenberg, the iron disciplinarian, a really
09:11formidable figure looking on, Renus Mikkels, Vandenberg, trying to get it there for Wolters.
09:21Ron Atkinson with me.
09:24I think you feel that Rudi Völler has not played at all badly.
09:28I actually think he's played quite well, I think Trevor Francis was about to say that
09:31as well actually.
09:32Brian, I think this is the time when you're going to look for your hullets and your murans
09:37and people of experience and stature to just say, steady on, cool it down.
09:41The last thing the Dutch want at the moment is a battle, when it's a football match they'll
09:45win hands down.
09:46Here's Klinsmann for the West Germans, going past them all, penalty given, the foul by
09:57Van Aal on Klinsmann and the referee had no hesitation whatsoever pointing to the spot.
10:06There we are, Ron.
10:08Yes, brilliant run from this fine young player.
10:11I think you'll find it's a penalty, he's made a meal of the day, but it's a penalty.
10:15But I think that's all due to the frustration that's just taken part in the last two or
10:19three minutes.
10:20The Dutch have lost their composure and I think they've been kidded here.
10:24Well, it looks as though it's going to be a captain's responsibility.
10:28Lothar MatthÀus, looking around I think, just wondering if anybody else would like
10:35to have a go.
10:37Hans van Broeckelen, the man who will seek to stop him, and a captain taking a captain's
10:43responsibility.
10:44Ron?
10:45Well, the last penalty I saw van Broeckelen save was a very vital one.
10:48I mean, this one's equally important, isn't it?
10:50One he saved in the European Cup final.
10:58MatthÀus missed a penalty on his first appearance for the West Germans, which incidentally was
11:03against Holland.
11:08And a bit of pressure building up here as MatthÀus wants the ball on one spot, and
11:13the referee wants it a centimetre or two away on another.
11:18But now we're down to it.
11:20Man against man.
11:21A chance for the West Germans to take a lead.
11:24MatthÀus, the man with that responsibility.
11:29It's a goal!
11:33Van Broeckelen got his hand to it, but it was hit strongly enough.
11:39Tremendous effort from the keeper there.
11:41Van Broeckelen's almost pulled that one out the back for them.
11:45Now it's a test of character for the Dutch.
11:47I mean, they've completely dominated the game.
11:49They've gone behind to this particular incident at a time when they've completely lost composure.
11:55Now they've got to just steady themselves down, get back to playing their way, and see
11:59if they can pull it back.
12:00There's still a long old time to go yet.
12:02Here's Van Basten for the Dutch.
12:07MatthÀus in again.
12:11Scott Meal outside him, another driving run by the German captain.
12:15Gets it through to Klinsmann!
12:17Just wide.
12:21And now Van Broeckelen gets the yellow card.
12:25As the ball went flying past his post, he went out and remonstrated with the referee
12:31about something that had gone on just before.
12:36Van Tiggelen.
12:42Keep.
12:44Keep.
12:46Keep.
12:49Keep.
12:51Keep.
12:53Keep.
12:55This is Erwin Koeman to his brother Ronald Koeman.
13:01Well, that was going with such power that Immel aimed a punch at it, but clearly missed it.
13:10Koeman driving that in.
13:12There's the flailing arm of the keeper.
13:15And a goal kick.
13:17We're now halfway through the second half.
13:20Something like 22 minutes now for the Dutch to get back on level terms.
13:26Feeling that Borovka is wasting time, not getting back.
13:29So Manchester faces that German wall.
13:31It's Koeman!
13:33And it's over the top.
13:34That's a striker ball, isn't he?
13:36Oh, he's got a hell of a dig on him.
13:38I mean, they're just setting up to line up terrific shots.
13:41If he can keep hitting them like that, he's bound to score.
13:44If he can keep hitting them like that, he's bound to get one on target.
13:47Still, the Germans hold this one-goal lead.
13:55Turn with a corner.
13:56A long, deep one.
13:57And van Broekelen getting it well.
14:00Having what looked as though it might develop into a nasty moment there with Pflugler.
14:08Koeman.
14:10A long ball looking for Van Basten and finds him.
14:13What a lovely ball that was.
14:15Boates has made a break.
14:16Van Basten has gone down.
14:17He's got a penalty.
14:19Another penalty.
14:20This time for the foul by Rolf von Van Basten.
14:24And the Dutch have an opportunity now of bringing it back to 1-1.
14:27Now, that didn't look such an obvious penalty.
14:29Brian, I'd have to see that on the replay.
14:31I can't for the world think it was a penalty.
14:33I honestly can't.
14:37Oh, I think he's fell down with exhaustion.
14:39Never a penalty.
14:41Except that it's what's been given.
14:43And it gives Ronald Koeman the chance to equal the spot kick
14:49shot home successfully by the West Germans' captain MatthÀus.
14:57So, about 16 minutes left.
15:00And the responsibility now on 25-year-old Ronald Koeman.
15:06Hands up anybody who'd like to swap places with him right now.
15:13And they are prolonging the agony as Bremer goes and has a word with Eike Immel.
15:24It's 1-1.
15:30Relief for the Dutch management.
15:35The Dutch fans.
15:37And the Dutch players.
15:4316 minutes from the end.
15:45Ronald Koeman makes it 1-1.
15:50Nothing Immel could do about that.
15:56Beautifully taken, Brian.
15:59Now, can the Dutch ride their luck?
16:01I mean, no-one can deny the fact that they're entitled to be still in with a shout.
16:05And away comes MatthÀus.
16:07Another driving run by him.
16:10Van Tegelen holding him off just for a second.
16:12The cross comes in towards Riddy Valla.
16:14But good work again in defence by Ronald Koeman.
16:19Turn. Setting it up again.
16:21Borovka.
16:22Setting turn up.
16:24Might get into a shooting position here.
16:32Tremendous sporting contest this now.
16:36Vandenberg.
16:41Back to Immel.
16:51Koeman.
16:56Wouters. Bit of space here.
16:58And Van Basten!
17:02Right at the end.
17:06The Germans are lying on the ground.
17:09Distraught.
17:11The Dutch are celebrating as Marco Van Basten
17:14gets his fourth goal of the tournament.
17:17The second on the night.
17:19And what a time to get it.
17:21There's no time to recover now.
17:23And the Dutch really have only to play out the last few seconds
17:27to reach the final of the European Championships.
17:31Three goals against England.
17:33And now this vital one against West Germany.
17:36Ron Atkinson.
17:37Absolutely deserved.
17:39A super build-up.
17:40Great ball from Koeman to Wouters.
17:43And there's Van Basten getting ahead of his marker.
17:46Lovely slide.
17:47Knew where the goal was instantly.
17:49Lovely slide.
17:50And well deserved, I might add.
17:54The Dutch flags are flying.
17:56The Dutch hopes are high.
17:57And Ike Emel had no chance as Van Basten turned
18:02and put it unerringly into the corner.
18:05On my watch, we have six seconds left.
18:09Borovka playing it forward.
18:12And it's back safely with Van Broekelen.
18:21I don't think any neutral can...
18:23It's a free kick.
18:24Sorry, Ron.
18:26It's a magnificent performance by the Dutch tonight.
18:35They're taking off Irwin Koeman,
18:38who's had a real all-action game,
18:40but he doesn't want to come off.
18:46But the decision's been made,
18:48and I don't think any player should argue with Renus Mikkels,
18:52the great disciplinarian.
18:55But Koeman's coming off.
18:57He took that knock a moment ago.
18:59The Romanian referee wants him to get off
19:01so there's not too much time wasting.
19:03It's the old tactic, though,
19:05of making a substitution to waste a few minutes
19:08right at the end of a game.
19:10And the Germans have piled just about everybody forward.
19:14The Dutch, correspondingly, have piled just about everybody back.
19:17Matthijs, a real up-and-under.
19:19They're all going for this,
19:21and it's Rudhalic who got it away.
19:26Borovka.
19:27Matthijs, there's another big up-and-under.
19:31Van Aal's behind this one.
19:33He won't want to concede a corner, and indeed hasn't.
19:36He maybe should have played it out, though.
19:38Borovka playing it in again,
19:40and again the Germans are up there with Bremer
19:42with the left-foot shot, well wide,
19:45and another look at the Romanian referee's watch.
19:52The final whistle.
19:54Matthijs looked as though he put the Germans on the road
19:58to something special with that penalty after 55 minutes.
20:02Ronald Koeman, a very debatable penalty after 74.
20:07And Holland have reached the final
20:10of the European Championship of 1988
20:13with this 2-1 victory over the host nation, West Germany.