Dutch slam team for uncharacteristic rough play
Source: Agencies |
July 13, 2010, Tuesday
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THE Dutch, known for sometimes being blunt and direct, did not mince their words in criticizing their team's defeat in the World Cup final.
The Netherlands has never won the trophy in the tournament's 80-year history but hopes were high that its third appearance in the final would finally see it cast off the unwanted label of being "the best team never to have won the World Cup."
"In 1974 we were the best. In 1978 we were better. In 2010 we were just not good enough," said Daily Telegraaf, the nation's highest-circulation newspaper.
The 0-1 extra-time loss came after uncharacteristically rough play by the Dutch in an apparent attempt to disrupt Spain's rhythm, dashing hopes of a classic match between two teams that had never won soccer's biggest prize.
"We deserved to lose," was a common phrase heard in offices and on social networking websites.
"And now the hangover," headlined the NRC newspaper.
Citing the lack of attacking play and the many fouls, the daily Volkskrant said: "It is time for some reflection."
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk changed the "Total Football" of flair and spontaneity of the 1970s into "Result Football," using cynical plotting for victory. The outcome was the same.
Van Marwijk took his silver medal off as soon as he walked off the podium, with a look of disgust on his face. He taught his team to win ugly when it needed, and they started doing so. And as long as they won in South Africa, six victories in a row, all was well.
"Our fouls may be a sad thing for a final, but it is not our style," Van Marwijk said. "I would have loved to win it with football that is not so beautiful."
Reflecting his intimidating and cynical play all through the tournament, midfielder Mark van Bommel went straight over to referee Howard Webb in the Spanish half at the end of the game to protest and was soon joined by Wesley Sneijder, Robben and a gesticulating Joris Mathijsen.
"We are angry that we lost because we came so close," Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt said. "I know you cannot blame others, but the ref was more favorable to Spain."
The Netherlands has never won the trophy in the tournament's 80-year history but hopes were high that its third appearance in the final would finally see it cast off the unwanted label of being "the best team never to have won the World Cup."
"In 1974 we were the best. In 1978 we were better. In 2010 we were just not good enough," said Daily Telegraaf, the nation's highest-circulation newspaper.
The 0-1 extra-time loss came after uncharacteristically rough play by the Dutch in an apparent attempt to disrupt Spain's rhythm, dashing hopes of a classic match between two teams that had never won soccer's biggest prize.
"We deserved to lose," was a common phrase heard in offices and on social networking websites.
"And now the hangover," headlined the NRC newspaper.
Citing the lack of attacking play and the many fouls, the daily Volkskrant said: "It is time for some reflection."
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk changed the "Total Football" of flair and spontaneity of the 1970s into "Result Football," using cynical plotting for victory. The outcome was the same.
Van Marwijk took his silver medal off as soon as he walked off the podium, with a look of disgust on his face. He taught his team to win ugly when it needed, and they started doing so. And as long as they won in South Africa, six victories in a row, all was well.
"Our fouls may be a sad thing for a final, but it is not our style," Van Marwijk said. "I would have loved to win it with football that is not so beautiful."
Reflecting his intimidating and cynical play all through the tournament, midfielder Mark van Bommel went straight over to referee Howard Webb in the Spanish half at the end of the game to protest and was soon joined by Wesley Sneijder, Robben and a gesticulating Joris Mathijsen.
"We are angry that we lost because we came so close," Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt said. "I know you cannot blame others, but the ref was more favorable to Spain."
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