The Netherlands Grabs the Opening, Van Persie Grows Impatient

The Netherlands, who kicked off first, displayed an intensely aggressive approach from the very start.

There was no probing, no slow start, not the slightest hint of conservatism.

Louis van Gaal's tactical plan was crystal clear: seize the tempo, seize possession, seize the initiative from the opening whistle.

Robben, Sneijder, and Van Persie—the attacking trident—pressed forward across the board.

In midfield, De Jong and Strootman pressed frantically, covering every inch of the pitch.

The Netherlands' trademark total-football approach was on full display in the opening stages.

The team pushed its overall shape forward, with all three lines compactly connected and not a single gap between them.

Their high-intensity press in the final third instantly disrupted England's possession rhythm at the start.

England, accustomed to playing steadily and building up step by step, was suddenly forced onto the back foot.

Their space to play out from the back was severely compressed, while their midfielders were repeatedly swarmed whenever they received the ball.

Just two minutes into the match, the Netherlands completed their first successful interception and counterattack.

Sneijder cleanly dispossessed Wilshere in midfield as he carried the ball forward.

Strong in the physical battle and precise with his positioning, he cut the ball out directly.

After winning possession, the Netherlands immediately raised the tempo and launched a rapid transition on the spot.

The ball was quickly switched wide as Robben burst down the flank, knocking it past England's fullback with explosive speed.

The Flying Swordsman's pace advantage was laid bare as he instantly left his marker half a step behind.

Unfortunately, the final cross was hit too deep and sailed straight over the byline, failing to create any danger.

Even so, England being pinned back from the opening minutes made every fan in the stadium tense.

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