As the old cliche goes, there's never been a more prime example than the Netherlands, the term "always the bridesmaid, never the bride", not only is a reference to Jennifer Aniston's love life, but also the results the Holland national team have earnt at world cups over the years.
Unlike most other teams who have failed to lift the world cup, the strange part of this puzzle is that Holland are always a major force at World Cup's. During the 1970's, Holland incorporated a style that was christened as "total football", with talisman Johann Cryuff (Dad of former Man Utd great Jordi) doing things with a football people didn't think were possible. During the '74 tournament he performed a marvellous bit of skillthat was then named after him: "The Cryuff turn".
It's often seen as one of football's greatest tragedies Holland not winning a world cup during this "total football" era, this team were reknowned for re-creating the beautiful game, and a re a key inspiration for teams (Arsenal, Barcelona) who replicate this style.
During the 1980's, the Dutch didn't fare well in the two tournaments ('82 and '86), and in fact didn't make the smi finals again until France '98, where all time record goalscorer Patrick Kluivert and former Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp created one of the most deadly partnerships in world cup history. In this tournamnet they finished 4th, which meant the wait continued for another 4 years.
In qualification for the 2002 world cup, Holland were dealt a huge blow, conceding late in Dublin to a Jason McAteer (that scouser who plays for Ireland) screamer, meaning they finished 3rd in the group and Korea and Japan missed on the picture-esque sea of Orange which arguably makes the world cup a better experience, and definatley a mor ecolourful one.
The Dutch fans are the most positive fans to grace world football, no matter what team, or score, they're always louder, more passionate and obviously more visible than their counterparts. If ever their was a set of supporters who deserved a world cup, it was the Dutch.
Despite there "failings" in the world cup, Holland have tasted success, winning the 1988 european championships beating the USSR in the final to finally taste success as a nation, however the european championships is the Prince of the sport, and the Dutch will not be satisfied until they've conquered the King.
-Adam
p.s If all holds well, the debut podcast should be released by the end of the week.
Follow me on twitter @AFKAA or the blog @WorldCupWillie1.
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