By Chris O'Brien
June 24 2004

Ruud Van Nistelrooy hit a brace and put in another impressive display as the Netherlands beat Latvia 3-0. The result booked the Dutch a place in the quarter-finals thanks to the Czech Republic beating Germany 2-1, meaning Dick Advocaat's side will face Scandinavian outfit Sweden in the last eight.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy was on top form as the Netherlands beat Latvia 3-0 to book a place in the quarter-finals of the European Championships. The Manchester United striker scored twice, including a trademark penalty, as the Dutch secured a last eight tie against Sweden thanks to the Czech Republic maintaining their 100% Group D record with a 2-1 victory over Germany.

Van Nistelrooy has described himself as 'shocked, depressed and sick' after Holland had sunk to a 3-2 defeat over the Czechs last weekend, but he showed no signs of loss confidence in Braga as the Dutch secured an emphatic victory to eliminate under-dogs Latvia. A close-range powerful header followed his accurate spot-kick as Dick Advocaat's side went in 2-0 up at the break, and a second-half strike from Roy Makaay wound up the three points.

Meanwhile, in Lisbon the Germany had taken the lead over the Czechs thanks to a stunning Michael Ballack strike. However a very much under-strength Republic showed that they are force despite making massive changes to the side, coming from behind to steal victory and eliminate Rudi Voller's side with an excellent free-kick from Heinz and a late strike from Milan Baros reversing the scoreline.

The Dutch are my personal tip to win the tournament, and although they have suffered from defensive lapses at times, have shown glimpses of footballing brilliance that shows they are well equipped to go all the way. They now take on Sweden in the quarter-finals, a side who impressed in their qualifying matches by going unbeaten and netting 8 goals. The group winners, the Czech Republic, will face another Scandinavian nation in Denmark.

"This is definitely the best period I've ever had playing for the Netherlands," said Van Nistelrooy after his fantastic performance.

"I hope it can continue."

England take on Portugal in the opening quarter-final tie on Thursday. It's all coming around very quickly, isn't it? Cristiano Ronaldo will face several of his United team-mates in a game which promises to be a cracker in front of a packed Lisbon crowd. Friday will see the Greeks take on France, with Sweden against the Dutch and the Danes against the Czechs following on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Full coverage of the rest of the tournament will, of course, be available on ManUtdWeb including special coverage on the English side and all United players left participating. There is ongoing debate surrounding the tournament on our messageboard, so please don't hesitate to post your thoughts on the competition there.