Van Bronckhorst’s goal says much about Holland

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s goal against Uruguay in the semifinal is proof the Dutch mean business, much as Wesley Sneijder’s is further evidence that whatever Holland touches at this World Cup turns into gold. But that’s not all, to see Robben score with the head (striker-like) compounds the confidence levels of the ‘Oranje boys’. Netherlands are best known for being the biggest underachievers in world football, beaten twice in the World Cup final (1974 and 1978). Apart from winning the European championships in 1988, they have achieved virtually nothing. But after ejecting Uruguay, they are a game away from lifting football’s biggest prize (World Cup trophy) and it will be interesting to see how they go about it. While majority of the Dutch team is still young enough to feature in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Bronckhorst, 32, will be bidding farewell to international football after this World Cup and hopes to retire as a World Cup winner. His wonderful goal against Uruguay says a lot about the spirit within this Dutch team, who are the only team in the tournament with 100 percent record. I bet that sublime screamer is in contention for goal of the tournament. Ends

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Van Bronckhorst’s goal says much about Holland