A great face-off is due tomorrow at three in the morning, Malaysian Standard Time. It's the second round and the loser will drop out - winner takes all (tag). That alone makes this a crucial match to both teams; the teams are the Netherlands and Portugal. On top of that, tomorrow's game will be a replay of the Euro 2004 semifinal between the two sides. In that game, the Dutch lost 2-1 to the Portuguese. This means, naturally, it's time for revenge and I am convinced that the odd favors the Dutch this time.

Unlike Euro 2004 which Portugal was the host, this match is practically a neutral ground. More importantly, the ground is closer to the Netherlands than Portugal. So, Portugal has no home advantage as it had two years back. In fact, it's all too possible for the Dutch to gain home advantage instead.

Another reason why I have the audacity to bet on the Dutch is because unlike Dick Advocaat, Macro van Basten - the Dutch trainer - doesn't need to bother with harsh criticism prior to an important game. During the group stage of Euro 2004, Oranje met the Czech and at one point during that particular match, the Oranje was in the lead - two goals against one. Then, instead of fighting further, Advocaat substituted Arjen Robben for Bosvelt and regressed into the Italian game which is all about defending. I - I dare bet many others too - disagreed with that move. Even worse, Oranje suddenly lost control of the game. Insteado of leading, we were struggling and eventually lost it.

We exploded in anger and Advocaat was slapped with abuses by fans. Relationship between the manager, the team and the fans soured and I do think that contributed a lot to Dutch loss in the semifinal of Euro 2004. Advocaat resigned after Euro 2004 ended.

That was two years ago but this is a different Dutch squad in different circumstances. It's youthful team. There's no more Reiziger, no Davids, no Makaay, no Overmars. No Advocaat. Younger and energetic players now are part of the first team - players like Sneijer, Robben, van Persie, van der Vaart, Heitinga - even the coach is new. Suffice to say, it's a whole new squad.

Finally, it's Marco van Basten! An Ajacied at the helm!

So, I predict a 2-1, orange in color.

  

p/s - after a hiatus measurable in months, ReCom.org is back. I'm not sure if it's going to be as fun as it used to be.

  

pp/s - I didn't watch the Dutch-Portuguese game because I had to wake up early to renew my passport today. So, I did the best I could do and checked the score line first thing in the morning. And all I have to say is this:

I shall now sit quietly at a corner with a funny looking hat on my puctured head.

  

ppp/s - ref memang buta macam kayu. About the match, here is a heated argument. And I hate van Bommel. I hate him at P$V and I hate him now. And to hell with Figo!

This is the worst game ever!

  

p4/s - I would like to retract my "I hate van Bommel". But Luis Figo, to hell with him. He needs to be reprimanded. And God Save the Queen. England or not, I hope the boring English beat the Portuguese sorry ass!