Cruyff under siege in Germany

The Greatest European Footballer Ever (and arguably the World) was able to move anonomously among the Dutch team in the last couple of days, until one delighted South Korean journalist suddenly discovered the legendary number 14. Soon, a whole bunch of journo’s from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas gathered round the oracle to take a picture and capture some soundbites. JC is always good for some soundbites…
“Holland – Ivory Coast can become a great match. The first group matches showed how tough this group is. And Ivory Coast may have lost their first match, I think it’s a hell of a team. It’s a team that has the guts to play offensive.”
Cruyff is furthermore pleased about Oranje’s progression. “Every one knows we can play offensive and attack well, but I liked the way we closed the match against S&M down. That shows that this team is mature, even though they’re all still young. Typical examples are Sneijder and van Persie. We all know what they can do in offensive terms, but now, in the second half, they kept their cool and played very disciplined, also without the ball. That is a major step up for lads who still lack the experience of a huge tournament. And look at the defense line, there was some doubt about their strength, but they played well organised and tight.”

The critical remarks of van Persie about Robben’s performance are logical, according to Cruyff. “What’s wrong with that. Robben had two crosses in the S&M match. That’s just not enough for a left winger. Van Persie is entitled to say so. We need discussion in the team, as long as it is about football instead of power or hierarchie.”

Cruyff, in Germany as sounding board for Marco van Basten and as analist for the Dutch NOS, saw most of the games on tv. “The level of this WC uptil now is pretty good. Even countries like Italy, Spain and Germany play offensive football. That is very positive. Portugal and Brazil were a bit disappointing, they should be able to show us more. Ivory Coast to me is the biggest positive surprise.”
Cruyff and van Basten talk regularly during the WC. “But, we always do. So that is nothing new. Sometimes we talk about football, sometimes about golf, sometimes about other things…”
Accroding to Cruyff, surviving this group would be a major achievement. “And if they do, then anything is possible…”