Strong Dutch ready for the World Cup final
I think that the Dutch would most likely have beaten the Germans, therefore gaining a certain measure of revenge for 1974. The game against Spain will be a different kettle of fish. Getting the ball off the Spanish will the biggest issue for the Netherlands, so they will most likely try and stifle them, thereby giving them all the ball they need to just keep knocking it around, waiting just waiting for that opportunity to come their way. 1-0 to Spain (again) unless the Dutch get into them early on (sorry, doors) and make life difficult. Going out with the intention of stifling play is nothing more than an admission of inferiority and since this game is 90% played in the mind that means just one thing.
via When Saturday Comes on 7/9/10
11 July ~ While obviously delighted at having reached the final, there are mixed feelings among Dutch fans about facing Spain. Many saw the prospect of meeting Germany as the perfect opportunity to gain revenge for the stolen final of 1974. But plenty of others were terrified at the thought of losing to Die Mannschaft once again, and would rather face the reigning European champions – even though they appear considerably stronger than Holland's overachieving neighbours. I couldn't face another 36 years of getting my nose rubbed in it, someone said to me, although it's difficult to understand who was supposed to be doing the rubbing; the Germans don't consider their triumph in 1974 to be a particularly big deal.
