I just finished watching the Netherlands vs Czech Republic game, and I'm a bit depressed, and more than a bit pissed off.

The Dutch really did play a great game, other than the slow start in the second half that ended up costing them the lead. The first half was wonderful to watch, countless chances for both sides, with the majority in favour of the boys in orange - including 2 posts and an amazing gave-saving save by Cech. Truly, it looked like a different team than the sporadic side that faced Germany a few days ago.

Then, around the 75th minute or so, with the game tied at 2 and me on the edge of my seat, the spanish ref made a decision that I can only assume was derived from some sort of absurd insanity. Heitinga was hit with his second yellow card of the game for a foul that wasn't really a foul. Even in real time it looked weak at best, in slow motion though it could be seen that Nedved obviously dove to draw a penalty. I could do little more than sit and scream at the television as Heitinga was sent off. I had already been a little incensed at the reffing as a result of an earlier no-call when Van Nistelrooy was literally grabbed and thrown down in the box while kicking vainly at the ball.

Thirteen minutes later, with Holland still pressing to try and win the all-important game, the Czechs managed to net their 3rd straight. The conclusion was reached, and after an incredible match, Dutch supporters were left to hang their heads and wonder what could have been.

It's looking really tight now for who's going to take the second spot in the aptly titled Group of Death. If Holland can beat Latvia on Wednesday, and the Czech Republic either tie or beat Germany, then Holland goes through. That was the good news of the day, Latvia holding Germany to a 0-0 draw.

I still have faith that this can happen. The Czechs are undeniably good, and chances are they can walk away from their German encounter with at least one point. As for the Netherlands, well they've always been a team that plays best when their backs are up against the wall. A case in point is the qualifying, when after losing a brutal game to Scotland 1-0, they came back to demolish the Scots 6-0 in the second leg. I think that with the talent and outright offensive power the Dutch can field (compiled by a healthy dose of desperation), Latvia will be extremely hard pressed to keep them off the board, let alone manage a tie or a win.

Back to Group A tomorrow though, and a extremely interesting match between Portugal and Spain. Go Spain!