Euro 2016: 5 memorable counter-attacking teams from the past

#5 The Netherlands (2008)

Despite exiting at the quarter-final stage back in 2008, the Netherlands were masters of the counter-attacking threat.

In the group stage, they battered the 2006 World Champions Italy on a score-line of 3-0, dismantled ‘06 finalists France 4-1 and also overcame Romania 2-0. Scoring nine goals was a fantastic way for the Dutch to announce themselves in the group stage and it was just a shame they couldn't keep their momentum going throughout.

With Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy among their ranks, it was always likely that they were going to provide threat but the manner in which they did it took everyone by surprise. It also vexed more than a few including Thierry Henry who was more than a little annoyed after his side were crushed by the Oranje:

"The scoreline is tough if you look at the match but they did the same as they did against Italy, they relied on counter-attacks

The way they flipped their attentions from defence to attack was quite remarkable, and it produced some of the best attacking football the competition has ever seen. In the end, they burned away, getting dumped out by a feisty Russia team in extra time, but the fun and creativity Marco Van Basten brought from the dugout remains a cherished memory.