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Löw Plays Down Dutch Victory

Germany coach Joachim Löw has been the first to suggest that the Netherlands' emphatic victory over Italy was nothing to get particularly carried away with...

The Oranje were emphatic 3-0 winners over world champions Italy in their opening game of Euro 2008 yesterday evening, and though the scoreline was perhaps a touch flattering and little things did go their way, the performance put in was exceptional.

However, Germany coach Löw does not believe that Marco van Basten's men have set the standard and took a shot at the Dutch by suggesting his side would never speak of being potential favourites after having only won one game (which they did, 2-0 against Poland on Sunday).

"They played a good match but let's refrain from saying it's a yard-stick that other teams must be measured by," insisted Löw.

"Other teams have won their first game, you know. Portugal played very well and we ourselves had a satisfactory start to the tournament.

"It's not even as if Holland dominated the game 100 percent. Italy had several good chances and if they had equalised it might have been a different game.

"You won't hear Germany talking about being favourites after winning only one game. We know there are two more group games to go and it's early in the tournament."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Löw Plays Down Dutch Victory