Now I know how the Germans felt all those years

For the longest part in the Worldcup Holland was barely noticed. The world press talked about how badly England and France and Italy did and how Germany had a good youthfull team but which was not quite up to winning the title and how it was going to be Brazil or Spain finally or perhaps even Argentine for the win. Even after winning every game in the group phase, after winning the next match against Slovakia not much attention was paid — Brazil would puliverse the Dutch was the general opinion. It was only after Brazil was beaten like a redheaded stepchild that the press sat up and took notice.

Suddenly I know how the Germans felt through all those tournaments when they were cruising towards yet another title and everybody condemned them for not playing proper football. Because suddenly Holland as well is accused of not playing our usual beautiful football and only winning by making it impossible for others to play, by diving and cheating. The comments on this
Guardian thread are typical.

It’s gratifying. Let them moan, as long as Oranje wins I’m not bothered.

UPDATE: we’re in the finals. So long suckers.