As even most non-soccer fans know, the 2010 FIFA World Cup will conclude on Sunday afternoon as the Netherlands takes on Spain for the right to call themselves World Champions. The match itself should be an exciting contest between two attacking sides, but it’s always more fun when you’re rooting for a team. So for those of you who can’t decide who to pull for in this clash; or for those of you who don’t feel informed enough to make a decision, here are five reasons to throw your support behind Netherlands:
1. Karma: The Dutch reached two World Cup finals in the 1970s but lost both, and are commonly labeled “the best team never to win a World Cup”. Those 70s squads were some of the most transcendent in soccer history, creating a whole new style called “Total Football” in which players could swap positions on the fly. In short, although their style isn’t quite as beautiful today, they’re past due for a World Cup triumph.
2. The jerseys: Yes, it’s an aesthetic reason, but you have to love the Brilliant Orange. Not too many soccer teams around the world rock the orange, but the Netherlands kit is classic.
3. Giovanni van Bronckhorst: One of the best names in the tournament, but that’s not the only reason to love the Dutch captain. Gio is 35 years old and retiring from soccer after the World Cup, but he’s still a rock at the left back position. And he’s no slouch getting forward as well, as his wonder-goal against Uruguay in the semi-finals proves.
4. The underdog factor: Yes, Spain has never won a World Cup final either, but the Iberians are certainly the favorites here- and not only because Paul the Psychic Octopus picked them to win. They won the prestigious European Championships in 2008 and are widely accepted as being- with Brazil- a class above the rest of the world. The Spanish discarded their “underachiever” tag two years ago, now it’s time for the Dutch to do it.
5. BJs: As in this pledge that has been making the internet rounds. I don’t even use Twitter, so I have no personal investment here, but you have to be curious about how that will play out, right?
To see five reasons to cheer for Spain, click here.