Ruud-tirement(that doesn't work really)

The leading news today is the retirement of Ruud Van Nistelrooy from international football(soccer). I should preface this by saying retirements are never final, and players often find the energy to unretire when the World Cup is close. Van Nistelrooy is 32 years old, but he was the focal point of the Dutch attack in their 4-2-3-1 system this past Euro Cup. It's interesting the amount of publicity this has garnered, especially since Van Basten had dropped Van Nistelrooy from the squad a couple of times. Van Basten focused on youth with his squad, and since the Dutch won the U-21 UEFA titles in 2006 and 2007 you cannot blame him. Those wins helped them qualify for the Olympics, where they are one of the favorites. This leaves new coach Bert Van Marwijk with an interesting decision to start his reign. Many question whether he will continue with the system Van Basten used, which succeded brilliantly and then failed miserably. The Dutch have a number of incredible offensive players; Kuyt, Van Persie, Robben, Huntelaar, Van Der Vaart and Sneijder to name some. The question is how you many of these players can be on the pitch at the same time. The Dutch have never been timid: Their greatest defense is their offense. That is what failed them in the Russia game, when they allowed the Russian to dictate the tempo and played on the back foot the entire game. Van Nistelrooy's retirement offers a chance to reformulate the Dutch squad. Robben, Van Persie and Sneijder have to be automatic selections. Kuyt and Van Der Vaart have been very consistent. That leaves Huntelaar and the class of players who don't have experience at the top level. Van Marwijk has to build on the success of Euro Cup, but try to figure out how to take the next step forward. The Dutch have consistently underperformed and he must choose a squad that won't do that. But first he must qualify for the World Cup.

One Liners

• Robinho weighing Blues offer, expect an answer any millenium now


• Sneijder injures knee in loss to Arsenal, could be out three months


• Drogba expected to be out until end of August, Blues expected to bid on 100 new forwards


• Wenger supposedly has offer for Alonso, Barry wishes on a star this is true


• Zenit stand firm on Arshavin fee, by stand firm I mean still dreaming