Fans Show Strong Support for the Netherlands Ahead of the Big Match

Ian Chappell the determined Australian captain suggests that while England initially introduced cricket to the world they did not contribute further to its development.

Although England’s initial gift was significant Chappell argues that postwar history has seen Australians West Indians and Indians play a pivotal role in shaping the sport.

It’s difficult to dispute the notion that since codifying the laws of Association Football in 1863 the English have largely rested on their laurels for the past century. The national team’s sole World Cup victory came in 1966.

When they hosted the tournament and they have yet to win the European Championship though that could change this week. If Gareth Southgate’s team defeats the Netherlands on Wednesday they will face either Spain or France in the final in Berlin on Sunday.

Their journey so far has been mark by luck. They narrowly defeated Serbia in the group stage with a single goal drew 1 to1 with Denmark. Who were arguably the better team and played to a goalless draw with strong opponents Slovenia. A scrappy 2,1 victory in extra time against Slovakia set up a quarter final match with Switzerland.

Where they secured victory with five successful penalty kicks. Despite the straightforward nature of their wins enthusiasm in the television studio remain high with panelists celebrating. Energetically during the Swiss match as if a major victory had been achieve.

English football can be quite unpleasant! The players seem disconnected living in their somber mansions. Their partners are often dress up for nights out in Alderley Edge.

Then there are the Netherlands and other team’s fans always loud and sometimes fighting fueled by alcohol drugs. And a sense of importance that hasn’t faded despite years of average performance.

We shouldn’t ignore the fawning chatter of journalists. And the supposed wisdom of former players who complicate a straightforward game with locker room talk. The most foolish comment of this tournament goes to the reporter who claimed that Weimar was far from civilization.

Imagine referring to the city of Goethe Schiller and Liszt in such a way. How fortunate the people of Saxon. And the Rhineland are to have our ambassadors even though they might lack exposure to culture sharing stories about the RAF shooting down German bombers.

The truth is despite the wealth of the Premier League England has never been a top tier footballing nation. Only six players are considered truly great:

Tom Finney Stanley Matthews Bobby Moorn Gordon Banks Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves. Duncan Edwards and Roger Byrne who tragically died in the Munich air crash of February 1958 were also on track to reach that level.

Since the first World Cup in 1930 England chose not to participate until 1950 football’s pinnacle moments have been enhanced by European and South American teams.

One of the standout teams was the Netherlands in 1974 featuring Johan Cruyff Johan. Neeskens and Wim van Hanegem who mesmerized Netherlands fans despite losing the World Cup final to West Germany in Munich. Four years later the Dutch were defeated by Argentina the host nation in Buenos Aires.

Twice unlucky much like the Hungarians who lost a World Cup final to the Germans in 1954 the dazzling Dutch team of Holland left a lasting impact on football unlike any Englishmen have done.

In 1988 another outstanding Dutch team won the European Championship defeating England convincingly along the way. They later lost another World Cup final in 2010. Yet for many who appreciate history the men in orange shirts hold a special place in football lore.

The current England team has talented players but their progress has been hindered by the coach’s cautious approach. As one experienced observer in the Old Trafford press box once commented about Manchester United’s dedicated manager Dave Sexton Mr. Southgate’s idea of excitement is to open a box of After Eight mints at 7:45.

One of the saddest sights during this inflated championship was seeing the Prince of Wales standing up during the Swiss match cheering and clenching his fists as if to prove he’s just one of the guys. I serve sir Not I mingle with the commoners.

The players, who struggle to express themselves, keep saying, We keep finding ways to win. That’s it! Netherlands fans summon the spirit of the great Cruyff and end this English comedy.