Holland is back!

After breakfast with our Dutch friends, Kristof and I departed to the stadium. The GPS provided correct directions which Kristof ignored because it was a woman’s voice. After a couple of turn-arounds we made it to the stadium with plenty of time after five security check points which only foreigners respect.

It is an amazing feeling to see the stadium empty, overwhelming you with its personality yet majestically ready for the big game! Over the next two hours people kept filling the seats with orange and red shirts (see pictures). The referees warmed up to a synchronized routine helping the ground crew get the final markings right… it’s FIFA but it has the same details as our AYSO games. While waiting for the game to start I checked with every

shop for the USA-England scarf for Margie Close’s AYSO silent auction but no luck. I have to get one. The game starts, and Holland provides several minutes of controlled, precise passing game. The referee applies two consecutive advantages which the players accepted (it’s going to be a good game). My seat is at the very top with just four rows behind me and the pigeons nest over my head… great view! I could get all offside decisions correct from here. There is a Mexican couple a few seats down who missed most of the game because they were just hugging and kissing. World Cups always prompt a lot of love.

Thirty five minutes into the game and Holland still controls the action with Denmark missing a couple of counter attack opportunities. The Mexican couple is buying beer for everyone except me… I had water and they tell me they are in their honeymoon. Wow, soccer does generate passion. It’s the second half and Holland scores via an own goal by Denmark’s Agger and remains in control of the game. Number 17, Elia, from Holland comes in for the last 23-25 minutes and provides superb game creativity and control for Holland and a beautiful show for all of us… should have been the player of the match. Holland wins 2-0. I have to wait for Kris so I walk

around and end up talking to my friend from CONCACAF in the FIFA lounge, watching the photographers wait for players in the underground tunnel and, watching the second half of the Japan-Cameroon game in the Media center. We get back to the hotel quickly as Kris follows the directions from the GPS’s “Hinga” and have dinner with our Dutch friends to celebrate their victory.