by anderson
Amsterdam (NIN) -- The day began innocently enough, promising warm, summery temperatures and clear skies as the day progressed. The warm and quiet summer morning did not last long, however, as clots of orange people move throughout city of Amsterdam, cheering,
whistling, howling, blowing the now hated vuvuzelas, many bound to a path leading toward Museumplein, Rembrandtplien, or Leidesplein. Museumplein is the major public venue for watching the World Cup final, though one can watch the game almost anywhere on the street.
At the present moment, it is ~1.5 hours before the final of the 2010 World Cup begins, a World Cup the Netherlands have not experienced since 1978. There is a vast boisterous orange sea of humanity in this city. The entire day appears to have been devoted to plans for the game. This, on some level, is a deception innocently borne of enthusiasm. The Dutch, like most Europeans, are well-tuned to the abilities of football teams, and they are certainly aware that Spain has shown itself to be a formidable, if not entirely dominating opponent. As good as the Germans appeared to be, Spain has been truly impressive,
shutting down the German scoring
machine as though it had never existed -- it's hard to score when you
can't get out of your own end.
Spain controls games: they made the Germans looks like High Schoolers. No one here does not recognize this. As a result, a certain resolve has emerged, one that speaks of hope, yet recognizes the superiority of the competition. But therein lies the beauty of sport. Not just this sport, but all
sport: the chance for failure or glory is always present in
undiminished terms. The outcome is never truly knowable. Such is the
beauty and majesty of human endeavour.
Things are starting to cook here in Am'dam: clots of orange coloured people are moving through the city, horns blaring. Waves of cheers and whistles plow down the streets. The size and intensity of these groups grows with the day, while we are now less than two hours from kick-off. By 8pm, this city will be a fuzzy orange madhouse.
So, Spain is widely recognized as the favourite. The Netherlands, however, is extremely disciplined and not easily shaken. This will be a battle of that pits artisan against yeoman. As labour-sensitive as we are at Newhoggers, may the yeomen prevail!
So, Live From Amsterdam!!! Let the game begin!
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NIN -- Newshoggers International Newswire.
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