Long faces at downcast Dutch training session

10 June 2012 20:18

Dutch players trained in sombre mood in Krakow on Sunday, the day after their surprise defeat against Denmark in their Euro 2012 opener.

Defender Joris Mathijsen, who sat out the Group B match in Kharkiv, Ukraine, through injury, resumed training at the Oranje's camp in the southern Polish city of Krakow.

Midfielder Wesley Sneijder who complained of knee pain on Saturday also trained normally. Sneijder was then seen talking with coach Bert van Marwijk for several minutes away from the group.

Van Marwijk then spoke to each of the players individually, according to an AFP reporter, adding that the players looked downcast.

After the match, Sneijder had clearly pointed the finger at the Oranje's misfiring forward line, as the Dutch failed to find a way through the Danish defence.

The Dutch had little sleep after the match after having to wait for compulsory drug testing and a one-hour delay at the airport.

The training had been scheduled for midday (1000 GMT) but was put back 30 minutes.

Players involved in Saturday's match had a light session of running, stretching and small passing games while the others trained more with the ball.

The Netherlands play Germany next Wednesday and Portugal next Sunday.

Source: AFP