The Dutch national team returned to the World Cup finals after 8 years, under unusual circumstances. The controversial tournament in Qatar is not held in the summer, but rather in November and December. Football fans Robert and Heine discuss the situation around Orange here. In this episode: a preview of the quarter-finals against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, with or without extra time and penalty shootouts.

Robert: “Hein, have you already read a little bit about penalties? What is the best way to take them and stop?”

little: “I’ve seen some scientific studies, yeah. Starting the series, putting in young players and picking the left corner seems like a winning combination. But yeah, does that also apply if you’ve already got 120 minutes on your legs, with 30 degrees on the thermometer and over a billion eyes And are Noah Lang, Xavi Simmons and Jeremy Frimpong the right men to bring in the penalties in particular? The list I compiled a few columns ago. “

Robert: These young players cost England last year in the European Championship final against Italy at Wembley. The very ignorant English coach Gareth Southgate sent the teenagers to the penalty spot. Well, what an amateur! He really gave the championship away! Now about the manuals: there is only one record work From the beginning of this century it should be read by every – I repeat: every player and coach Penalty kick by Gyuri Vergouw. It makes short work of the idea that you can’t coach penalty kicks. Come on! The best penalty kicks are tough in the top corner. And that’s it! No ‘fancy’ jump steps please. Read this book!”

little: “I note that it is a sensitive subject, Robert. I hope it will not happen against Argentina. Do you still trust the quarter-finals against Messi and his comrades?”

Robert: “You have a point there, Heine. But I’d still prefer to win in normal time. With a zero or 3 or so. I also believe in that. World Cup extensions end in penalties a bit too often for me. It can be a risk. But it’s not Necessary to suppose this happened, I’m curious how Professional Orange would handle it in practice. Because Lewis put a lot of time into it. Science will lead. But one thing’s for sure: things can’t go absurdly wrong as with Spain and Japan with their pathetic rollers.”

little: “In fact, it is always dangerous to let it come down to penalties. We’ve seen that even a big, experienced force like Busquets can hit the ice hard at such a moment. Our history with penalties is not encouraging, especially against Argentina. If possible, take the decision. Within 90 minutes.You probably won’t get many chances, so every chance should be a hit, Just like against Americans. “

Robert: Lewis’ press conference, with Memphis as his loyal assistant this time around, didn’t provide much additional information. Apart from the well-known sarcastic silliness of some Dutch journalists, who had nothing better to do, I learned something new. Did you know that former Germany international Sebastian Schweinsteiger set himself up as an advisor to Luis, who was his coach at Bayern Munich? The man is an expert on “How do you beat Argentina?” Very special! Sebas does this without pay and because Germany is now out anyway. I trust that our German friend has conveyed the correct information. You feel good. We’ll catch them, those Argentines.”

little: “Did Van Gaal also hint at how Orange can stop Messi? Because if you can do that for 90 minutes, you’ve obviously come a long way.”

Robert: “That’s still top secret. Of course he never wants to make an opponent the wiser. I wouldn’t do that either. Have you seen Ron Peyton Flare in NOSWith his story, how did he knock Messi out of the match in 2014? He said it was a team effort and that he now expected Leo to always be looked after by any of the Dutch team close to him. Personally, I think mainly of Tempertje.

little: “Defending isn’t really a thing anymore at this time and the Orange have proven in 2014 that you can handle this with united forces. If anyone can put this to rest tactically, it’s our national coach. Blind knows how to defend his position, Aké and Timber in case Excellent, and Marten de Roon has to do what he’s good at: vacuuming. So Messi can wet his chest, also because the quality of the Argentine around him is lower than in previous tournaments. Di Maria, his main assistant, is not 100 percent fit. So I’m optimistic too. Although you never know what great Messi will conjure up from his left.”

(photo: ANP)