I know that I promised that I would dye my hair Orange if the Netherlands made it to the Finals and I don’t plan on disappointing anyone if that comes to pass, but I have some serious doubts about tomorrows game against Uruguay. While Holland have been convincing, there have been a scary number of own goals that have helped them through and Uruguay in many ways play a similar game to Brazil. That or I am just considering, re-considering the whole hair thing.
Diego Forlan is on a one man mission to win the Golden Boot and there are fewer and fewer contenders waiting in his path by the day. The Germans will not go quietly either and I’m picking them to dismantle Spains midfield with a series of counter attacks that will prove deadly. Iniesta hasn’t faced a holding midfielder the size of Boateng yet. Oh its on.
As for the golden boot. Diego Forlan is on 3 goals, Sniedjer is on 4 and David Villa on 5.
The Dutch denied the Brazilians a World Cup on every continent. That was enough for me to declare that they have done us proud. Though, I wonder how many train tracks are left on the journey of the little oranje engine that could.
The Offside Trap 
July 7, 2010 at 4:59 am
Is this a joke? This dutch team is a disgrace to the great teams of the past. Namely ’74, ’78, ’88, and even ’98. No real attacking quality or ambition. It’s like they’re being managed by Jose Mourinho.
July 7, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Van Basten you make some interesting points. My question to you is that with the players available (and especially a vulnerable defence), could the Dutch have played in a more expansive style and still been successful.
They definitely looked better with Van de Vaart as the second central midfielder instead of a second holding player. Also, a lot of people have talked about Elia instead of Kuyt, but I’ve never seen him play.
July 7, 2010 at 3:31 pm
How boring can dutch get to win a trophy.. Probably as boring as Mourinho’s teams..
July 8, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Van Basten, how has Holland played any different to the kind of mid defensive line combined with a high priority on retaining the ball at all costs that Spain has?
I’ll admit they are playing conservatively, but if you are looking for a team like Brazil or Argentina to win the World Cup in an era that is galvanized by incredible boost in co-ordination and organization of the back four in every team, then I am sorry but it is just not going to happen.
I agree with your point about how it looks like they are being managed by Jose Mourinhio but not completely. They are still attacking with a lot of firepower. In fact, the Dutch have as many attacking players as the Brazilians or the Argentines had. The difference is that they have very slow build up play that frustrates their opponents and clearly by the looks of it, neutral viewers as well!
Van Bronkhorsts screamer should put any doubts as to what their intentions are, given the opening required.
I think another point you are failing to see is that any side that plays against the Dutch have tried to restrict the scoreline and not concede. That isn’t good football either!
Thank you for the comments though.