Boulahrouz fails to make van Basten's Euro grade

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

HOENDERLOO, The Netherlands (AFP) — Hardman defender Khalid Boulahrouz was the unlucky player on Tuesday as Dutch coach Marco van Basten decided he was excess to demands and cut him from his final squad for the upcoming Euro 2008 championships.

Boulahrouz, who plays for Spanish side Sevilla having had an undistinguished spell at Premiership outfit Chelsea, paid the price for the return to fitness of veteran duo Mario Melchiot and Andre Ooijer.

The Dutch - who will be bidding to add to the European title won in 1988 with van Basten instrumental as a player in that side - are in Group C or the Group of Death as every championship seems to have to have these days.

They begin their campaign against world champions Italy on June 9, take on World Cup finalists...