Gould double Dutch after record defeat

THE Wales manager Bobby Gould's post match rule is to wait a day before facing the press. That way reason, not emotion, does the talking.

On Saturday night in Eindhoven, following Wales' biggest defeat in a competitive game he broke that rule and let his welling emotions lead him into a trembling meander of disjointed explanation and blame. This included attacking the English press for not improving their education by watching a Dutch schoolboys' game he had seen on Friday.

The press knew nothing about this game and, as it turned out, Gould only stumbled across it on a pitch next to where the Welsh were training in Eindhoven. But this is Gould's problem - passionate and idealistic on the one hand but rambling and sometimes illogical on the other.

For instance, he rightly drooled about the quality of the Dutch coaching system and rightly criticised the Welsh set up for lagging behind. But change will take years. Gould's problem now is qualifying for the World Cup finals with the players he has.

Because most of them are not international class, that means husbanding those meagre resources carefully. Not playing against a side as formidable as Holland, Jason Bowen, a mid fielder who is not even a regular in the Birmingham City first team. Especially when Nottingham Forest's David Philips is not even in the squad.

Ditto, Wales' all time top goalscorer Ian Rush, despite the absence through injury and suspension of Giggs and Hughes. Both Philips and Rush have been cold shouldered.

Now Gould has upset one of his few prospects, John Hart son, by substituting him for kicking Cocu off the ball. Deserving dressing room punishment yes, but not public humiliation. Gould cuts off his nose to spite his face.

Tactically, too, questions need asking. Gould knew what Holland were capable of after their 3-1 win in Cardiff last month yet he tried to attack them in Eindhoven with two strikers, instead of flooding midfield and playing one up.

Such was Wales' chronic lack of organisation, the players were left chasing the shadows of Dutch men luxuriating in one touch pass and move football. It brought seven goals, including Bergkamp's first hat trick.