Van der Vaart scores but Dutch disaster is completed (From Enfield Independent)

Tottenham Hotspur's Rafael van der Vaart scores as Netherlands crash out of Euro 2012 against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal

10:14pm Sunday 17th June 2012 in Sport

Rafael van der Vaart scored a fine goal but the Netherlands are heading home early from Euro 2012 after their disastrous campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat against a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal.

Needing a win by two clear goals to stand a chance of qualifying after being beaten in their first two Group B games, the Spurs midfielder gave the Dutch early hope by curling home an excellent left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area.

However, former Manchester United man Ronaldo had already spurned several opportunities before he did pull Portugal level before the interval.

And it was the Real Madrid star who appropriately booked his side's place in the last eight, alongside group winners Germany, with the winner after the break, leaving the World Cup finalists of two years ago propping up their four-nation table without a point to their name.