FIFA 2010 World Cup: How Netherlands can defy the odds (and that irritating octopus, Paul); In depth Analysis
In 1970, a Pele-inspired Brazil team took the football world by storm, playing an exhilarating brand never seen before and lifting the Jules Rimet trophy in the process. The Brazilian team was universally declared as the greatest proponent of the beautiful game and few expected any other country to emulate the Samba kings anytime soon.
Only four short years, the status quo was broken and the world was witness to another revolution, this one created and executed by Rinus Michels, the Dutch coaching maestro. Joga Bonito had been replaced by Total Football. Supremely gifted players and a fluid interchange between positions previously regarded as static were the hallmarks of the Dutch team of the 1970's. These qualities were intrinsic in enabling the Dutch to play in two consecutive World Cup finals, in 1974 and 1978. Tragically for the Dutch, through a combination of bad luck and naiveté, a resilient German team and the wily Argentineans ensured that on both these occasions, the final proved to be a bridge too far for Cryuff and his teammates.
Fast-forward thirty years, the Dutch have yet another chance to secure the biggest prize in world sport after managing to reach a third World Cup final. Albeit playing in a manner which many Dutch pundits have declared to be a complete betrayal to the swashbuckling and cavalier style of the 1970's and the current team has been labelled as boring and unimaginative by neutrals, most of whom are understandably rooting for the spunky Spanish and their silky smooth passing skills. The Dutch fans could not care less about what the neutrals think as long their team manages to secure a first World Cup trophy.
Holland's pragmatic coach, Bert Van Marwijk, who declared halfway through the tournament that Total Football is officially dead, knows exactly what his team needs to do if he wants to replace Rinus Michels as Holland's most well known manager. The Spanish triumvirate of Xavi Hernandez, David Villa and Andres Iniesta need to be stifled and deprived possession of the ball. This formidable contingent from Cataluna has been largely responsible for propelling Spain into the final, with Villa running riot in the tournament, scoring five goals and putting himself in contention for the Golden Boot award. For Holland to win the final, the attacking trio of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie obviously need to gel together.
The onus of responsibility, however, falls on the shoulders of the two Dutch destroyers in midfield, Mark Van Bommel and Nigel Dejong, who comes back from suspension after missing the semi final. These two players have the ability to strike fear into the hearts of even the most gifted forwards in the opposing team, a fact which Robinho, Kaka and Daniel Alves will readily agree with. Van Bommel has received flak from all quarters for his tendency to commit cynical and disruptive fouls and various pundits have expressed sheer disbelief at how he manages to escape the referee's notebook. This habit of the coach's son-in-law has the ability to nip the opposition's attack in the bud and is a vital component of the overall defensive strategy of the Dutch.
The Spanish have proved themselves that they know how to play smart football. They countered the counter attacks of the German invasion with smug flamboyancy. They used to have the largest winning streak in history but who knows that the Dutch-men that are going on for a 35 match unbeaten streak.
They have defeated the best in the tournament and their men have out classed the best players. The task ahead of them might be difficult but they certainly must not be underestimated as they indeed have the perfect recipe to cook themselves some Glory.
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