Will the Kalou soap opera influence the game?

The 22nd match of the 2006WC is like a finals. According to the IC-players, that is. They have to win. Those types of matches are always great to look out for. It’s about progressing to the next stage. But, there’s another aspect…

IC is playing against the country that was chosen by their most gifted son above his native country. Salomon Kalou, player of Feyenoord Rotterdam, has actively pursued Dutch citizenship, in order to be able to play for Holland at this WC, against – among other teams – Ivory Coast. Supported by van Basten and Cruyff, every one dreamed about a striker line-up of Robben (Chelsea), Ruud (ManU) and Kalou (Chelsea per next season). But Secretary of Immigration Iron Rita said NO.

So, van Persie gets his chance and Kalou is at home, watching the WC – frustrated, no doubt – on tv. This aspect has definitely played a role in the preparation of IC. Bona Kalou – Salomon’s older brother and in the starting line up against Argentina – was able to judge first hand how his fellow countrymen reacted to all this broohaha.

Bona felt the criticism of his team mates and was even formally adressed by IC officials.
He told a Dutch reporter yesterday that he felt the blame of this whole soap-opera. The IC squad has a stronge urge to show the world – and Salomon Kalou – which team is the best to play for. It could play a massive rol in this match, or it may end up being merely a footnote in this WC… We’ll know in 9 hours…