I’ll surely be hung for this but allow me to outline why I think the Oranje will take it all the way to the end of this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Heading into the tournament the Netherlands were ranked #4 in the world of international soccer. Ahead of them? Brazil, Spain and Portugal (in that order). How have these teams, ranked better than the Netherlands, performed?
Brazil, despite controlling the ball pretty well in both of its matches, conceded a goal by North Korea. Once they warmed up they did a number on Ivory Coast but certainly not a victory worth making a huge fuss over. They’re playing well, I’ll grant them that, but they’re goal against by North Korea proves that they’re not unbeatable—and certainly not unstoppable.
Spain, reigning Euro Cup champions, conceded a victory against Switzerland, not exactly a powerhouse soccer nation. They then went on to beat Honduras, but anyone could beat Honduras—no offense guys. Despite being favourites at the beginning of the tournament, like France and Italy, Spain aren’t the hot shots they were a couple of years ago.
Portugal, oh Portugal, you’re ranked #3 in the world and you played to a scoreless draw against Ivory Coast? What are they ranked? 27? So you beat North Korea 7-0, so you’re better than Brazil because you didn’t let in a goal, you still see more diving in a Portuguese soccer match than you do during the Summer Olympics.
Oh, and do you know who is ranked #5 behind the Dutch? Italy. Ha!
All this to say that within the top group of teams at the 2010 FIFA World Cup the Netherlands are the only team who has yet to flop their performance. In fact they’re unbeaten now in 22 international games; they’ve won 17 of those and drawn the others. And other than Argentina, they’re the only team so far to win all of their World Cup matches. The Dutch are going all the way because they’re working hard and aren’t flopping it like the rest of the competition. If the same continues to hold true, and if they continue to step up their play to meet their competitors (as they’ve been doing so far), I’m certain we’ll see them through to the very end.
If anybody, Argentina might be a threat; they’re playing great, but if anything we’ll see a Netherlands vs. Argentina finish and, of course, the Dutch will win. Of this, I’m sure.
Love your perspective and agree completely. The team is fun to watch and they are brimming with talent. That “goal post” by Arjen Robben just whets our appetite for where he will help take the team!
Here’s to hoping, Keith. Holland has a sad tradition of ruling the group stage and then bowing out in the quarterfinals. But I think this is the year they break that tradition. Good to see Robben on the field – for all his arrogance, the Dutch need a game-breaker like him if they expect to win. I like that Elia kid too, he looks like he might score a goal or two.