Dutch copying 1988 blueprint for Euro success

The Netherlands' progress to the Euro semi-finals has shown remarkable similarities to their campaign in the same tournament 16 years ago when they won their only major trophy.

The Dutch were managed by Rinus Michels in 1988 and current coach Dick Advocaat seems to be sticking to his mentor's blueprint for success.

For the opening match against Germany, Advocaat deployed Rafael van der Vaart behind striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with Boudewijn Zenden filling in on the left flank.

Zenden was substituted at half time, however, while van der Vaart lost his place to Clarence Seedorf against the Czech Republic and has not played since.

Advocaat had said before the tournament that van der Vaart was his first-choice attacking midfielder.

Sixteen years ago Michels used John van't Schip as right winger in the first match against the Soviet Union with John Bosman leading the attack. After a surprise 1-0 defeat, Michels dropped Bosman and van't Schip, the fit-again Marco van Basten started the next game against England and he inspired the Dutch to victory with a hat-trick.

Erwin Koeman was drafted into midfield, Michels never changed his side again and the Dutch cruised to the final.

After the rather lucky 1-1 draw with Germany, Advocaat brought in winger Arjen Robben and Seedorf, and although they lost 3-2 to the Czechs after leading 2-0 the Dutch side had a far better shape.

They eased to a 3-0 victory over Latvia and had the better of a tight quarter-final against Sweden on penalties.

Now, just as they did in 1988, the Netherlands face a semi-final showdown with the hosts and if they can repeat their 2-1 win over Germany in Hamburg against Portugal on Wednesday they will play in the final.

The comparison could then be complete if van Nistelrooy emulates van Basten by finishing as the tournament's leading scorer.

Van Basten claimed five goals, one more than van Nistelrooy has scored in the opening four matches in Portugal.