Dutch their own harshest critics after defeat
Reuters - Monday 12 July 2010, 11:13
AMSTERDAM - The Dutch, known for
sometimes being blunt and direct, did not mince their words in
criticising their team's defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.
Netherlands have never won the trophy in the tournament's
80-year history but hopes were high that their third appearance
in the final would finally see them cast off the unwanted label
of being "the best team never to have won the World Cup."
"In 1974 we were the best. In 1978 we were better. In 2010
we were just not good enough," said Monday's Daily Telegraaf,
the nation's highest-circulation newspaper.
The 1-0 extra-time loss came after uncharacteristically
rough play by the Dutch in an apparent attempt to disrupt
Spain's rhythm, dashing hopes of a classic match between two
teams that had never won football's biggest prize.
"We deserved to lose," was a common phrase heard in offices
and posted on social networking websites on Monday.
After wild cheering before and during the match, orange-clad
Dutch fans hopped on their bicycles following the defeat at
Soccer City in Johannesburg and trudged home in silence.
"And now the hangover," headlined the NRC newspaper.
Citing the lack of attacking play and the many fouls, the
daily Volkskrant said: "It is time for some reflection."
Dampening the mood further on Monday was torrential rain
that hampered efforts to clean up the litter left by the 180,000
that gathered in Amsterdam's Museum Square to watch the match.
The team will be hoping the rain stops falling beause they
are due to have a canal parade in Amsterdam after the city
reversed an earlier decision to call it off if they lost.
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