So you want to sell soccer to the world? I've come up with a plan that may just work. Show them the Dutch. After the Netherlands decisive 3-0 win over current world champion Italy, all you need to do is show the non-fan the Dutch. In that game the Dutch could make anyone a fan. Toward the end of their dismantlement of the Italians I thought to myself this is what Americans need to see.
One the whole they were spirited, offensive oriented and full of finesse. Individually there was just enough arrogance emitted from the players that the average fan wouldn't call him cocky, but would call him tremendously confident. They had a swagger I have not seen in international soccer before. Not even from the Brazilians who do have a substantial amount of skills individually, but to me have never seemed as smooth.
Every time the Dutch got the ball you knew they were trying to score. Counter-attack! All day they'd clear the defensive line, push the action and find themselves pressing the Italian defense to make a great play just to stay alive. On their buildups they hardly took any steps backward, always moving in the direction of a goal. And the best part was the Dutch were finishing. Finishing with an elegance and an ease so far unmatched in Euro 2008.
All of this coming against the current World Cup Champion and in the so called "group of death." The Netherlands victory and goal differential made them clear favorites in the group and their skill and style of play can make them favorites of those who don't consider themselves soccer fans.
Comments
That is the great thing about soccer - on any given day, there can be a huge upset. Unlike a lot of other sports, the amount of heart a player (or team) gives throughout a soccer match, even when overmatched by a superior opponent, is clearly visible.
Congratulations to the Netherlands!