Euro 2008 exploded into life as the Netherlands put on a masterclass display to beat World champions Italy 3-0.

The best match of the tournament by far took place on Monday night when an unfancied Netherlands side destroyed a usually resolute Italy. The Netherlands got a lucky break when Ruud van Nistelrooy’s opener stood, despite the former Manchester United striker looking well offside, but from then on Marco van Basten’s side were firmly in control.

1 - 0 Ruud van Nistelrooy (26 minutes)

The Real Madrid striker put his side ahead in controversial circumstances when he toe-poked home from close range in an offside position

2 - 0 Wesley Sneijder (32 minutes)

Real Madrid team mate Sneijder doubled the lead six minutes later when he swept home a header from Dirk Kuyt.

3 - 0 Giovanni van Bronckhorst (80 minutes)

Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder van Bronckhotst capped a tremendous Dutch performance when he headed in a Kuyt cross from seven yards with 11 minutes remaining.