Orange tastes sweeter when the Dutch team plays the spontaneous fluid football that their Golden Generation of 1970 presented to the world. Tulips look brighter when Dutch flavor of attacking soccer is on display.
Netherlands beating Chile 2-0 in a hotly contested group match on the way of topping the table. This ensured that they avoid an early clash with the leader of Group “A” most likely the host Brazil in the round of sixteen. With three in the Netherlands in Brazil 2014 has already made their intentions clear of going deep and having another crack at the coveted trophy which have so cruelly evaded this wonderful football playing nation so far it was a tussle for the top spot with teams already qualified for the second round.
Still it had lot to play for as the top of the group would probably avoid playing host Brazil in the knock out round. Who dares to face the all-time favorites in their own territory? Lot of expected from the match of two evenly matched teams. Netherland surprised the world with a punishing first match against world champions Spain paying them back on their own coin of all out football .
The world football got shocked and awed from the unexpected 5-1 drubbing that Netherlands handed over to Spain. Red hot Chile also out gunned bruised and battered Spain with another punishment winning the match 2-0 and showed Spain the door for early exit. Both Netherland and Chile in their match against Australia were fully stretched.
The Sao Paulo stadium took a festive look with 63 thousand adoring fans in orange and yellow shirts. It looked like beautiful Tuplips bloomed all over. The teams met only the second time in major tournament. The first was played 86 years before in Olympic final. That match ended 2-2 with Holland being declared winner in draw of lottery. In two earlier matches Netherland scored eight goals in three matches conceding three. Chile scored five digesting one in the process. Such a match expected to produce wonderfully attacking football.
First half witnessed several good moves from either side but all the moves lacked the telling punches which could end up in the nets. The exchanges were equal as there were very little to choose between the two evenly matched teams. Teams played safety first with an eye to avoiding a possible encounter against Brazil in knock out round. Netherlands required drawing the match as they had better goal difference, while Chile had to win. In the early stage of the match Chile looked more enterprising with aggressive wing back Eugenic Mana dashing down the flanks creating space and letting fly chips and crosses. Dutch started feeling the absence of Maestro Van Persie upfront suspended for the match for two yellow cards. Arjen Roben and Sneijder took some time to settle. Chile kept teasing Dutch defence with swift short passes creating few openings but they failed to capitalize few half chances that came their way. As time went on Netherlands came more and more into the game with old fox Roben and young Jermaine Lens catching Chile defence off guard on few occasions. First half with several ups and down ended with score sheet reading nil -nil.
Second half was nothing different with sides exchanging moves keeping their respective defence intact. When the Dutch attacked they were outnumbered in Chilean defence. As time ticked off Chileans became more and more restless. Netherland slowly and assuredly wretched control of the mid field cutting out several Chilean moves .By the middle of the second half Chileans appeared to have lost some steam. Their attacks started losing the bite. Alexi Sanchez created few half chances which Dutch defence blocked efficiently.
Roben made a good long drive in the 66th Chilean keeper .Fortunately for them no Dutch legs were there to pounce on. Netherlands looked calm and patient realizing that a draw will be enough for them to top the group. But they were not ultra-defensive. Roben was brought down on the edge of the Chilean box leading to a free kick which created a half chance not converted though.
Chile Goal keeper made a full range drive at the 76 minute . It was followed up with a beautiful Dutch goal off a substitute Leroy header 1-0. The tall Dutch jumped well clear of Chilean defence and headed home .Chile corner almost brought an equalizer minute later. Chile went all out for the equalizer throwing more men upfront. In the added time Arjen Roben made a solo dash down the left crossed for Dias to tap into the Chile net making it 2-0. Netherland extended their recent win in internationals to 13 with an enviable record of scoring at least two goals in each match.
Well done the Netherlands. They are looking bigger and brighter now. A team with blend of high quality experienced senior players and bright youngsters may turn into a serious challenger for the ultimate highest prize. How eagerly world football aspires for a Yellow Revolution in World Cup. Such a wonderful football playing nation should not always remain a bride’s mate in World football. Tonight Dutch team can affords to have raw fish curry with hot Chili sauce.
BDST: 0200 HRS, JUNE 24, 2014
