From a modest start, as player and coach, Bert van Marwijk built success with Feyenoord before taking over a promising Netherlands side following their disappointing quarter-final exit at Euro 2008.
- Spain forward David Villa will miss the Euro 2008 final against Germany through injury, coach Luis Aragones told reporters after they beat Russia on Thursday.
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk put himself in the same bracket as coaching greats Rinus Michels and Ernst Happel when his team beat Uruguay 3-2 on Tuesday to reach their first World Cup final since 1978.
Italy beat Portugal 3-1 on a night of friendly matches between Euro 2008 rivals that left tournament co-hosts Switzerland and Austria among the losers.
Three second-half goals helped Spain reach the European Championship final for the first time in 24 years, setting up a meeting with Germany in Sunday's decider.
A reshuffled France drew 1-1 away to Croatia in their second Nations League game on Monday, four days after an opening defeat by Denmark.
A round-up of Friday's action in the UEFA Nations League.
Ajax Amsterdam, returning to the stadium where they last won the Champions League 20 years ago, squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against 10-man Rapid Vienna on Wednesday.
Four-time European champions Ajax Amsterdam find themselves among the pre-qualifiers for the Champions League this year as Dutch football pays the price for its declining record in continental competition.
Factbox on Jose Mourinho, who was named manager of Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday
A round-up of Thursday night's matches from the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
IMAGES from the Euro 2020 qualifiers played on Thursday
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