OT - World Cup Final -- who you rooting for?

Submitted by 4godkingandwol… on

So, been busy with work and haven't been able to keep up with the threads on the WC in the last two rounds. 

Just curious to see where the rooting interests are on MGoBoard for the Final?  Personally, I used to love the Dutch and started this tournament rooting for them.  However, the more games that I get to see with them, the more they seem like punks.  The Spanish on the other hand play a beautiful game that is joyous to watch even when low scoring.  So I'm going with Spain.

Just curious to see other people's impressions of the Dutch and of the game at hand.

"There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch." -- Nigel Powers.

Geaux_Blue

July 8th, 2010 at 1:01 AM ^

but for some reason i've wanted the dutch since they advanced groups. i know spain hasn't won it and oh em gee how wonderful but the dutch have been playing their asses off to get there and "deserve it" more imo

jmblue

July 8th, 2010 at 4:02 PM ^

And if I'm not mistaken, they're the only country to have reached the finals more than once without winning it.  They've had bad luck.  They had to play West Germany in Germany in 1974, and Argentina in Argentina in 1978.  Now they finally get a neutral final site. 

redwings8831

July 8th, 2010 at 1:07 AM ^

Hup Holland!!!

One of my favorite teams besides the US basically based on their style of play. Its fun to watch the up-tempo style rather than the teams that just sit back, play for the draw (penalties), etc.

Dan Man

July 8th, 2010 at 2:40 PM ^

I'm cheering for the Dutch, too.  This may be a stupid reason, but it's because I respect how it's government stuck with its principles with that whole Muhammed cartoon fiasco.

Transatlantic Flight

July 8th, 2010 at 1:17 AM ^

For one, this is to me just about the most exciting matchup that could have happened. First off, you have the grand storylines of both teams. Reportedly the Dutch have had France level internal issues (players simply not getting along, etc.) and in spite of the strife have pulled together to create some classy wins. They have been to two previous finals (I believe) and have never won the World Cup, typically known as a team that implodes fairly early in spite of hype (a la England this tournament). The way the play the game to me (as a semi-educated yet still casual fan) is utterly bizarre. The internal strife shows on the field, and they are disjointed, chaotic, and in the end score really creative goals. The obvious example is the Brazil game in which Brazil played beautifully and seemed to dominate, yet were defeated in the end by Dutch wizardry. It is easy to criticize their style of play, but it's hard to argue with the fact that it seems to be working.

The Spanish, on the other hand, have never made it to a World Cup Final before, and have dreams of becoming the next generation Euro Super Power following their domination of the past few years and the relative decline of England, France, and Italy since the 2006 World Cup. Spain is taking (like the OP mentioned) the 'beautiful game' traditionally played by Brazil and making it work wonders in spite of scoring few goals. They are the definitive possession team, and have thus far completed the second most passes of any team in the history of the tournament (first being 1994 Brazil). Rather than relying on magicians like Robben and Sneijder to create goals out of nothing like Holland does, Spain plays soccer the way Roger Federer plays tennis or Bobby Fisher played chess. They strategically use short, quick passes directed by famous midfielder Xavi in order to push and pull the opposing team into making a mistake and allowing an opening for a goal. They have not scored many goals this tournament, but have played dominating, exciting soccer since their initial loss to Switzerland. 

To sum up, both of these teams are in effect playing for their international reputations. Winning this could signal the rise of a new star European team, which frankly is something I look forward to. I personally am rooting for Spain, being a sucker for their quick-passing style, but either team has the potential to win.

MGlobules

July 8th, 2010 at 10:53 AM ^

this will help me see the game better. I have long been a fan, and played goalie in HS, but never got that deeply into strategy, etc.

I lived in Barcelona for a few years, and will also be pulling for Spain, though I have always liked the Dutch as well. Actually, only two teams have annoyed me this World Cup--England, whom I always root against (despite having spent long periods in London) and Brazil. I've always loved their style of play, but have grown a little weary of the hype.

Bocheezu

July 8th, 2010 at 1:23 AM ^

No Brazil and no Germany means both the Yankees and Red Sox are out.  Pretty exciting to have a new winner, no matter which team it is.

markusr2007

July 8th, 2010 at 1:30 AM ^

IMO this is not the most talented Dutch football team (better team was the 1998 squad), but they have been a surprise this time around.

Spain doesn't score a lot of goals, but dammit if they don't play defense! After blasting England 3-1 and Argentina 4-0 I thought the Germans would steamroll the Spaniards today.

Spain has never been to a final before, but I'm cheering for the Dutch this time because they've reminded me of Michigan football on New Year's Day in the 1970s.

SpartanDan

July 8th, 2010 at 1:51 AM ^

Not entirely sure why, but they've always been one of my favorites along with Germany. (Not that I have any particular enmity for Spain, either; at least it won't be Italy or Portugal.)

tdcarl

July 8th, 2010 at 2:02 AM ^

I know this is the most 4th grade girl reason, but I want the Netherlands to win because they have IMO the coolest uniforms in the world cup. I love me that orange.

In a more sporting reason, I also always love to see the underdog succeed.

Lordfoul

July 8th, 2010 at 2:51 AM ^

Dutch all the way.  It would be cool to see my wife's family go nuts (Dutch Immigrants).

Still, the Orange better not overlook the Spanish tactical advantages, such diverse elements as: fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope, and nice red uniforms... and, dare I say, THE COMFY CHAIR!

ken725

July 8th, 2010 at 3:52 AM ^

I despise Arjen Robben and his arm flailing diving style of play.  But, on the other hand Wesley Sneijder is one of my favorite players.  It will be cool to see either team win since it will be the first for both countries.  In the end my hatred for Robben will overpower and I will be rooting for Spain.

Frank Drebin

July 8th, 2010 at 7:37 AM ^

"There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's culture and the Dutch!"

In all seriousness though, I would like to see the Dutch win. Don't know why, but I have always liked them since I was a kid. I think it was the Orange jerseys. I just want to see some goals in this game. I would love a 3-2 game.

Hemlock Philosopher

July 8th, 2010 at 8:17 AM ^

I estimate my blood as 95% Dutch (Friesian, if you want to be specific) and 5% Spanish (where the darker hair and "Vandermeer" side of the family comes from).  Other than the USMNT being in the finals, this is the match up I was hoping for: I'm rooting 95% for the Dutch and 5% for Espana. 

juiceman

July 8th, 2010 at 8:32 AM ^

I share the same sentiments as many on this board.  The more I watch the Dutch, the more I don't like them.  Too many flops, too much complaining to the ref.  Spain plays hard and they don't go seeking calls.  Xavi & Villa are absolute class.  I also liked how they didn't celebrate too much after the semifinal, as if their business was not complete.  Spain seems like they're on a mission and I actually think they'll domiante the final....Spain 3-0. 

jg2112

July 8th, 2010 at 9:05 AM ^

First time since 1978 that two teams who have never won the Cup are meeting for the title.

I lived in the Netherlands for 5 years in the 1990s. Frank Rijkaard is my favorite player, ever.

HUP HOLLAND.

jam706

July 8th, 2010 at 9:48 AM ^

It's interesting that the Netherlands was part of that 1978 final as well. No matter who wins, it'll be the first European team to hoist the trophy outside of Europe

I'm pulling for Spain, for a few reasons, but largely because I love La Liga (and Iker is the man)

jg2112

July 8th, 2010 at 2:46 PM ^

I have to admit, Ajax and Barcelona are my two favorite club sides.

I'm really not going to be disappointed no matter which way this game turns out. I think it's the best case scenario for the WC Final - new blood, nations with positive styles of play, and a few of the best players of the tourney.

pontoon

July 8th, 2010 at 9:07 AM ^

I'll probably be rooting for the Netherlands... I have no affiliation or rooting interest for or against either team so I usually just defualt to the underdog.  I'm just hoping for an exciting game that isn't a 1-0 snoozefest. 

msoccer10

July 8th, 2010 at 9:13 AM ^

I will be happy with either team winning really. I wanted a team that had never done it before. What I really want to see is a good amount of goal scoring.

MMB 82

July 8th, 2010 at 10:06 AM ^

I have a good friend who lives there, funny thing is I am actually more excited about the final than she is. But I don't dislike Spain either- been there, very nice country and people. The whole place seems to live like college students- work in the morning, afternoon take a nap, then party late into the night. Get up and do it again the next day.

maximus_spaniard

July 8th, 2010 at 11:16 AM ^

Well, after Brazil and Argentina fell, I'm left with rooting for Spain...

... but Holland has played consistently better than Spain so far, so if that continues, they should win. But if Spain plays the way they played vs. Germany, watch out!

wishitwas97

July 8th, 2010 at 12:24 PM ^

then yes, Dutch played better than Spain.  If you go by performance, you'd have to go with Spain.  Spain has dominated in possession game and shot created.  I would expect Spain to dominate the possession game with their short and precise passing game which has been down right ridiculous and beautiful to watch.

 

I'd expect Spain to win and yes I'm rooting for them to win it all.  I like their style and they don't flop as much as other teams like the Dutch, Italy, etc.

CoachW

July 8th, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^

Don't really have a specific reason, but I've always liked them and have rooted for them (and the U.S. of course) for as long as I can remember watching the World Cup.

MileHighWolverine

July 8th, 2010 at 12:33 PM ^

On account of being 1st generation born and having 100% of extended family in said country. 

They've also played a hell of a run against some of the best defenses in the WC and made it through the gauntlet. 

van

July 8th, 2010 at 12:54 PM ^

but I'm pulling for the Netherlands.

 

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football. It's a great read.