Thursday, June 26, 2008. The European Championship’s second semi-final is about to kick-off and in front of his bench a Dutch coach is carrying the tune of the national anthem. But hold on a minute – is it in Russian?
Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Improbable or not, the Dutch people could well see this nightmare scenario materialize if Guus Hiddink manages to pull off another upset tonight in Basel and steer Russia past their – and his - national side.
The Oranje moved to the Swiss city on Friday morning so that they could get used to the new, Dutch-grown pitch of “St.Jakob-Park”. And they will be joined tonight by up to 100,000 compatriots, but Hiddink, a football icon in his homeland, does not mind if his team disappoint them all this evening.
A traitor in style
“I want to be the traitor of the year back home, because that will have meant we won the game,” joked the 61-year-old boss, who coached the Netherlands himself from 1994 to ‘98.
Hiddink, who previously said he relishes this rare challenge, has been criticised in his home country even prior to the game. “I don’t know the words to the Russian national anthem. But I like the melody, so I will mime along. If I’m going to be a traitor, I might as well do it properly.”
But seriously, Hiddink must know that knocking out the mighty Oranje will not be easy. “Yeah, I’m scared. I’m scared as hell. That’s why we have to attack them. If you are in a position where you keep dropping further and further back, then you get even more scared. The only way is to attack when possible,” he explained.
Russia’s football is in many ways similar to the Netherlands’. It has always been like that, and most certainly since Hiddink took over, just under two years ago.
Dutch brand
“The Russian team of recent has changed a lot, not just in the players, but also in the playing style. We have tried to install a kind of play like the Dutch brand, so that people can come and watch some attacking football,” he added. “We have taken some small steps, but now we are meeting a giant. The approach won’t be different, even though we’re playing against one of the best teams in the world, both physically and technically.”
Hiddink has also mentioned several times that difference in fatigue levels between the two sides may play its part. But he has certainly not mentioned the word ‘defeat’, as opposed to Van Basten.
Van Basten living the moment
“Losing would be very bitter. Nothing to do with Hiddink or Russia, it’s all the work to reach the quarter-final and lose,” said the Dutch trainer, who knows that every single match could be his last in charge, as he’s stepping down to take the helm at Ajax. “I realise that, so I’m enjoying every game.”
Believe it or not, Van Basten could not be here at all right now if Hiddink had not persuaded him to take up a coaching course following his retirement as a footballer. “He was not my reason to become a trainer, but when I thought about becoming one I watched him and spoke with him,” the Milan legend told euro2008.com. “He has a great history and a lot of experience as a coach, so it’s usual to watch good coaches. He’s a good example of that, but there are others I followed too.”
Good luck, Guus!
This will actually be the third time that the two will come up against each other, albeit their first official confrontation. “I wish him good luck. These are two teams who try to attack. We have the same ideas, so we’ll see who’s stronger,” said Van Basten, who would not confuse this clash with the final of 1988, when he netted that famous goal against the former USSR. “I am happy I scored a good goal, but that was a long time ago and it won’t help me against Russia.”
spurce :www.goal.com
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar