Marco Van Basten's Holland defeated a much-improved France side with another display of superb attacking football.

The Dutch took the lead after just ten minutes when Dirk Kuyt rose to head home a Rafael Van Der Vaart corner. 

Kuyt was being held by Florent Malouda, who wasn't even looking at the ball, but that didn't stop the Liverpool forward heading powerfully past Gregory Coupet to give the Dutch an early lead.

After 15 minutes of Dutch domination, France began to grow into the game, with Sidney Govou and Franck Ribery looking lively going forward, but they struggled to create clear cut chances.  Even when they did, they found Edwin Van Der Sar in good form in the Dutch goal.  By the time the halftime whistle blew, France were clearly on top.

Van Basten reacted by introducing Arjen Robben for the second half, but France continued to press forward.  Thierry Henry saw a shot deflect wide off the arm of Andre Ooijer, but German referee Herbert Fandel waved away claims for a penalty.

Moments later Henry wasted the best chance of the game.  Malouda's overhead kick put the Barcelona striker clean through on goal.  Unfortunately for France Henry's lob over Van Der Sar dropped the wrong side of the crossbar.

After Henry's miss, Dirk Kuyt was replaced by Robin Van Persie.  The substitution made an instant impact.

Robben sped down the left wing and crossed for Van Persie to double the Dutch lead after 59 minutes.

France roared back again, with Henry becoming an increasinly influential figure, and he gave France hope with a deft finish past Van Der Sar with 19 minutes remaining.

But French hopes lasted less than a minute, as Arjen Robben jinked his way into the penalty area and rifled a shot high into the roof of the net to seal victory.

There was time for one more goal, as Wesley Sneijder produced one of the goals of the tournament in the last minute, turning on the edge of the area and curling a beautiful shot into the top corner, off the underside of the crossbar.

Having disposed of both finalists from World Cup 2006, Holland have been installed as favourites to win the tournament. 

If they continue to play like they have so far, who's to argue?