The Oranje -- A Clockwork Orange
Holland is considered by most soccer pundits to be the best team to have never won the World Cup. They have come close twice before.
In 1974, the Dutch, playing a new and innovative brand of soccer, called "Total Futbol" reached the Finals and ran into the powerful West German side led by the legendary Franz Beckenbauer. The final was one of futbol's classic matches. On July 7, at the old Olympiastadion in Munich, the home side defeated the favored Netherlands, 2-1. German legend Gerd Mueller scored the game-winner in the 43rd minute. Interestingly enough, this was the last time that the tournament was held in Germany.
Despite playing in that unforgettable Final, Holland superstar Johan Cruyff never kissed the Cup, and is therefore considered the best player never to have done so, a title he will probably hold forever, considering the force that he was when he roamed the pitch.
In 1978, the Dutch once again marched to all the way to the Finals, only to run into the host country for the 2nd straight tournament. This time it was the Argentines and on June 25, in front of over 74,000 screaming mad countrymen at El Stadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the host nation lifted their first World Cup trophy. The game went into extra time, where the Argentines two late goals for a decisive 3-1 victory.
In 1988, Holland celebrated its finest hour in International Futbol with a Winners Medal in the European Championships. This was the last time an international tournament was held in Germany.
Is it a good omen that in the two previous high-level competitions held in Germany, the Dutch have had great success? I sure as hell hope so!
This year's edition is led by legendary striker Marco Van Basten. Some consider him the most lethal goalscorer of his time. The Dutch are undefeated in 16 matches since Van Basten took the reins in 2004. He was largerly responsible for that 1988 European title after leading the tournament with 5 goals.
Unfortunately for Van Basten and his side, they were drawn into what some have labeled the "Group of Death". In what could be the game of the group stage, a rematch is set for June 21st in Frankfurt of that classic 1978 Final between Argentina and Holland. Also in the group, the dangerous Serbs, and the team many consider the best in Africa, the Ivory Coast. In no way is this an ideal draw for the Dutch, but they are battle tested and ready for the challenge (I hope).
One final note. I read recently that the Dutch fans are quote, "among the sport's most unruly and are just a reviled". So I ask anyone who knows me ... is this just too perfect that these are the people that I will make myself a part of on the 11th in Leipzig. It couldn't be any more perfect! Can't wait to see the pictures from that day, huh?
4 days and counting ...
In 1974, the Dutch, playing a new and innovative brand of soccer, called "Total Futbol" reached the Finals and ran into the powerful West German side led by the legendary Franz Beckenbauer. The final was one of futbol's classic matches. On July 7, at the old Olympiastadion in Munich, the home side defeated the favored Netherlands, 2-1. German legend Gerd Mueller scored the game-winner in the 43rd minute. Interestingly enough, this was the last time that the tournament was held in Germany.
Despite playing in that unforgettable Final, Holland superstar Johan Cruyff never kissed the Cup, and is therefore considered the best player never to have done so, a title he will probably hold forever, considering the force that he was when he roamed the pitch.
In 1978, the Dutch once again marched to all the way to the Finals, only to run into the host country for the 2nd straight tournament. This time it was the Argentines and on June 25, in front of over 74,000 screaming mad countrymen at El Stadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the host nation lifted their first World Cup trophy. The game went into extra time, where the Argentines two late goals for a decisive 3-1 victory.
In 1988, Holland celebrated its finest hour in International Futbol with a Winners Medal in the European Championships. This was the last time an international tournament was held in Germany.
Is it a good omen that in the two previous high-level competitions held in Germany, the Dutch have had great success? I sure as hell hope so!
This year's edition is led by legendary striker Marco Van Basten. Some consider him the most lethal goalscorer of his time. The Dutch are undefeated in 16 matches since Van Basten took the reins in 2004. He was largerly responsible for that 1988 European title after leading the tournament with 5 goals.
Unfortunately for Van Basten and his side, they were drawn into what some have labeled the "Group of Death". In what could be the game of the group stage, a rematch is set for June 21st in Frankfurt of that classic 1978 Final between Argentina and Holland. Also in the group, the dangerous Serbs, and the team many consider the best in Africa, the Ivory Coast. In no way is this an ideal draw for the Dutch, but they are battle tested and ready for the challenge (I hope).
One final note. I read recently that the Dutch fans are quote, "among the sport's most unruly and are just a reviled". So I ask anyone who knows me ... is this just too perfect that these are the people that I will make myself a part of on the 11th in Leipzig. It couldn't be any more perfect! Can't wait to see the pictures from that day, huh?
4 days and counting ...
posted by littles: at 3:18 AM
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