Eurosport - Wed, 11 Jun 17:11:00 2008
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten is still unsure when Arjen Robben will be fit to play at Euro 2008.
The Real Madrid winger missed the team's opening Group C match, a famous 3-0 victory over world champions Italy in Berne, after injuring his groin in training.
"It looks like he will need less time to recover than the seven to 10 days I said previously but I cannot say when he will play," Van Basten admitted.
The match against France in Berne on Friday June 13 will come too soon for Robben but he could be back for the final group game against Romania at the same venue four days later.
Defender Mario Melchiot, who has been sidelined by a pelvic problem, continues to train alone while striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar missed the session with a minor calf injury.
Van Basten said he would probably adjust his tactics against Les Bleus.
"When France are in possession of the ball our positional play will have to change," said the coach. "But that is only a matter of changing some minor aspects.
"Our good start did not only give us a good feeling it also increased the respect for us from our upcoming opponents."
The Dutch top the group with three points after France and Romania drew their match.
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yeah idd uefa did admit it wasn't offside, offcourse without that goal it owuld have been more difficult, but you can't take away the fact that they played attacking good football, but one game means nothing offcourse a loss against france and a draw vs romania could still see em out off the tournament but i hope they don't.
That was an perfectly legal goal...there was no offsides.
Italy may have been without its best player, but the Oranje Crush were without some of theirs as well. You can always make excuses as to why Italy did not win, or play as well, but what I saw (despite the offsides goal, and yes, the officials are human as well) was a Dutch team that went on the attack. They played well and coordinated, and took advantage of opportunities to score. After all, isn't that what the sport is all about?
Go Oranje Crush!!!!!
To be fair, Italy didn't have their best player.
That aside, Holland kicked ass. Us Dutch Canadians are all set for a good run this year.
Oh my goodness I went crazy after that match. Dutch foreverrrrrrrrr!!!!!!
Dutch Canadian here....this is the year for nederland voetbal, watch.....italy wasent enough for us....we want blood
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