Van der Vaart unable to help Dutch in defeat (From Haringey Independent)

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart features as Netherlands lose to Germany at Euro 2012

11:02am Thursday 14th June 2012 in Spurs

Rafael Van der Vaart was a half-time substitute for the Dutch last night as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to old rivals Germany.

Spurs’ attacking midfielder was unable to help his country recover from going behind however, and the Dutch will now need to beat Portugal in their final Group B game to have any chance of progressing to the quarter finals.

Germany had the lead midway through the first half when Bastian Schweinsteiger played in Mario Gomez to net before the duo combined again for the same result seven minutes ahead of the interval.

Van der Vaart and Schalke’s Klaas-Jan Huntelaar were introduced at the break to try and give the Dutch more attacking impetus but they were unable to beat Manuel Neuer until the 73rd minute when Robin van Persie reduced the deficit.

The Arsenal forward later had a claim for a penalty turned away by the official as the elusive equaliser continued to evade the Dutch.

Germany held on for victory, meaning Van der Vaart and co must beat Portugal in Kharkiv on Sunday if they are to have any hope of progressing in the competition.