It is one of the biggest mysteries,in the sporting world at least;right up there with the Bermuda Triangle! How is it that a team that delivers one mesmerizing performance after another at every world cup tournament ALWAYS walks away empty handed? If the Dutch were an African team, talk of witchcraft, abateesi, abayuuda, aba vumilia, abawujja obusepikki, would be flying in all corners; and before long, we would have a couple of sangomas concocting all sorts of herbs and rituals to appease the ancestral spirits and invoke good fortune upon the starting eleven.
Thankfully, this is a European team that seems to be above such superstitions. Their brand of total football is as delightful as it is enthralling. One of my friends calls the Netherlands the Arsenal of the World Cup (no prizes for guessing which team he supports in the premiership). Like the Gooners, the Dutch have perfected the art of exciting football, and leave many a fan breathless with anticipation only to stumble at the very last hurdle! There is nothing more painful for a die-hard Oranje fan like moir than the agony of unfulfilled promise! Seriously, why do they always choke whenever they are in sight of glory?
Which is why I'm not placing any premium on the win over Denmark in their opening game. I'm obviously chuffed that they are off to a flying start; and the win is bound to do wonders for their confidence and morale ahead of their next fixture. But I shall not be putting any champagne on ice yet, until we are well in to the semis, if indeed we make it that far. However, they will need more than Dutch courage to qualify for the second round, particularly so against the Blue Samurai whose late strike against the Cameroonians on Monday currently puts them at the top of Group E alongside Holland who are only ahead on goal difference!
Am I excited? YES! Am I worried? That too! But therein lies the magnetic pull that is football.. C'mon ye Oranje!
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