By Shai Mamou
The Netherlands are definately the team with the best killer instinct of this World Cup. Once again, the guys of Bert van Marwijk did not produce the most spectactular game and were not the most combative on the field. Once again, they can thank their terrific offensive line, often decisive near the nets. With Robben, Van Persie, Sneijder, Kuyt, then Van der Vaart in the second half, the Netherlands have nothing to be ashamed of against the Spanish armada or the wonderful Germany on this point. But there is an obvious lack of altruism in this team. I have to admit the goal of Van Bronckhorst was amazing. What a shot! But what a slow and clumsy defense too! If Van Bommel, the essential defensive midfielder was not such a bad guy and a terror in his interventions, the defense, with Heitinga and Mathijssen, would be much more exposed. Tonight, even with an Uruguayan team bereft of Suarez who sacrificed at the last game, the Netherlands were in danger. With the Ajax striker, the game could have been different…
The Celeste proved, if it was necessary, that they were the most courageous and determined squad of this World Cup. Diego Forlan is an amazing player (too bad he’s already 31) and has been a constant threat. This team had panache and did not steal its place, I’m sure we’ll see some of these players very soon in the best European teams and not only on the bench. I’m happy to have finally seen Gargano in the starting eleven tonight, he was everywhere! It was a shame to see him on the bench since the beginning of the competition.
I used to be a big fan of the Oranje and I have always thought they would win something one day. But to me, whoever they will struggle with in final, I’m sure they are going to lose. I can’t imagine Germany or Spain being surpassed by an amount of individualities. The only thing that could save the Netherlands from another delusion, is a team spirit and a collective control on the game. Something that the Germans and the Spaniards already have…
