I’m currently 30 years old, almost 31. Approximately 1 year before I was born, the Dutch soccer team played the World Championship final for the last time. And they lost. From Argentina. It was 30 seconds before the end of the normal time that Rob Rensenbrink’s shot from a very narrow angle was deflected on to the post and bounced clear. In the extra time, Argentina won 3-1. After having lost the final in 1974, the Netherlands lost a final again in 1978.
Today, 32 years later, there’s a new chance for the Netherlands to grab the world cup. Such a small country in the most important match of the year. Finally, we can win the cup that belonged to us already twice in history. Whatever happens tonight, win or lose, today is a historic day. In 32 years from now I will probably still remember where I was when the Netherlands played Spain in the finals. Either it will be a fantastic victory, the first world cup ever, or it will be a disaster.
I will probably always remember the fantastic goal of Giovanni van Bronkhorst against Uruguay. I will remember the orange cows we had in our office’s backyard and the live radio broadcast that came straight from our office. I might remember the names of the most remarkable players: Robben, Sneijder and van Bommel. But for sure I will remember the final itself.
Hopefully I will remember the fantastic match against Spain, the excitement after the goals and the huge celibration. I hope I will still remember how Gio received the world cup from Nelson Mandela right after the very last soccer match in his professional career. I want to remember the impressive boat tour through Amsterdam and all the orange decorations in the streets.
There is a small chance however that I will remember the referee’s mistake, the shot on the post, the red card, the lost penalty series, the unpunished fouls of the Spanish team or the tears of the Dutch players that were not able to score that one important goal in the extra time. Just like in 1974. Just like in 1978. Well, that’s sport and that’s history.
I hope for a great match. I hope for Dutch victory. This is history in the making.
