Although the Dutch track record of the past 6 years isn’t that good,(missed korea, made it to the 2nd round in Germany) there has been a lot of progression. Be aware the Dutch have totally been transformed into a younger team. (no longer Jaap Stam, Frank and Ronald De Boer, Bergkamp, Kluivert, Davids etc.) Instead, a new generation is on the pitch. Where in the world cup the team was still young and unexperienced, the same players have really improved. Only 1 or 2 players play in the ‘bear competition’. If look at the squad that was on the pitch against Italy, a lot of them had successfull years in top competition. Vd sar (man united) V Nistelrooy, Sneijder (Real), Kuyt (liverpool). france needs to be warned, The Dutch are probably starting without Robben and van Persie. Instead of relaxed, i’d be warned.

And for me, as a Dutchie (in case you didn’t notice yet)
It’s great to see a Dutch team again that plays in the national style: attractive, with joy and risks. It may seem naive for countries that have defending in their genes, but we only appreciate a win if it comes with attracive attacking football as well. Of course by playing this ‘naieve’ you run the risk of being ‘outbored’ by teams like Germany, France of Italy. But once every 20 years (’88, ‘74) the Dutch succeed in makeing a performance that is to be remembered longer, and appreciated more.

Was it really a “shock” that Holland beat Italy??? Not really. No more a “shock” than when France beats Italy in the last match of the group.