According to Dutch media outlet NOS, the Netherlands’ Euro Cup semi-final match against England is about to begin, but the Dutch team will face a unique challenge—one of their former national players is now a penalty expert for their opponent.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the Dutch striker who once dominated the English Premier League, now sits on the England coaching bench as an important assistant to Gareth Southgate.
Hasselbaink’s experience in penalties is a valuable asset for England. In his Premier League career, he was known for his outstanding penalty-taking skills, converting 14 out of 15 attempts. This record not only instills confidence in the English players, but also provides psychological support for the team in crucial moments. Young player Jude Bellingham, after successfully converting a penalty in the quarter-final match against Switzerland, said that Hasselbaink’s guidance and preparation played a key role in his success.
The reunion of Hasselbaink and Southgate is no coincidence. The two were teammates during their time at Middlesbrough, and now they are back together on the England team. Hasselbaink’s life and football experiences in England make him an integral member of the team. He not only provides technical guidance to players but also offers psychological support, helping them overcome England’s historical shadow in penalty shootouts.
For the Netherlands, facing Hasselbaink could mean added pressure. After all, Hasselbaink knows the Dutch side very well. In his 23 appearances for the Netherlands national team, he scored 9 goals, including 2 penalties. If the semi-final goes to a penalty shootout, Hasselbaink’s penalty expertise and experience could be a major advantage for England.
There is no doubt that this semi-final is not only a clash between two strong teams, but also a unique showdown for Hasselbaink’s coaching career.
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