by Philip Deutsch

Before the riveting Netherlands vs. Spain final transpires at Soccer City Stadium on Sunday, a sea of Dutch orange will overrun South Africa.  If Spain wants to carry home its first ever World Cup trophy, they must overcome a steep disadvantage.  South Africans, many of whom are descendents of the Dutch Boer settlers in South Africa in the 1600’s and 1700’s, are rabid for Netherlands’ first World Cup championship as well. 

After Uruguay beat Ghana in a hectic quarterfinal game, all six African teams were eliminated at FIFA World Cup 2010. It seemed as though Africans had no one left to cheer for at the first World Cup on African soil.

“Netherlands are the last African team,” a South African joked behind me as I walked to Green Point Stadium in Cape Town for the Uruguay vs. Netherlands semifinal amidst massive herds of raucous Netherlands supporters blaring orange vuvuzelas, screaming “Let’s go Holland” and climbing up railings on the side of the road.  Cape Town, built in colonial style and tucked into the coast of the southern tip of Africa, resembled a mini-Amsterdam.  Uruguayans had to be shaking their heads at their strange misfortune, outnumbered by tens of thousands Dutch supporters. 

The Dutch influence can still be seen everywhere.  The Dutch accent can be heard in local Afrikaans speech.  Caucasians with blonde hair and pale blue eyes look like Dutchmen.  Even the townships resemble the ones of native Amsterdam. 

The Netherlands’ players are at a home away from home anywhere they go as natives, black, colored and white, wear orange jumpsuits, scarves and top-hats.  Their faces are painted with the colors of the Netherlands’ flag and their backs wore the same patriotism. 

When I entered Green Point Stadium for the semifinal, orange covered the stadium. Only very small patches of Uruguay blue could be noticed.  South Africa had chosen their team.  And the Dutch delivered.

The Netherlands beat Uruguay 3-2 with a high octane offense and beautiful passing in the open field to come within one win of a championship.  After the game, people danced around their cars in the street in celebration.  Fans with crazy Dutch costumes yelled at the top of their lungs in joy at a team who did not lose in qualifying and now is 6-0 during the World Cup.  Native Dutch back home in Europe can hardly believe the impeccable streak because Netherlands is historically known to flop out of the tournament at the most inopportune of times. 

Dazzling stars Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie take the party to Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.  Sixty-four games will have been played in this wild tournament, and only two teams vie to claim the most glorified trophy in sports.  The “best team to never win a World Cup” will attempt to change its fate against the World Cup favorite in the perfect orange storm environment on Sunday.

Before the riveting Netherlands vs. Spain final transpires at Soccer City Stadium on Sunday, a sea of Dutch orange will overrun South Africa.  If Spain wants to carry home its first ever World Cup trophy, they must overcome a steep disadvantage.  South Africans, many of whom are descendents of the Dutch Boer settlers in South Africa in the 1600’s and 1700’s, are rabid for Netherlands’ first World Cup championship as well. 

After Uruguay beat Ghana in a hectic quarterfinal game, all six African teams were eliminated at FIFA World Cup 2010. It seemed as though Africans had no one left to cheer for at the first World Cup on African soil.

“Netherlands are the last African team,” a South African joked behind me as I walked to Green Point Stadium in Cape Town for the Uruguay vs. Netherlands semifinal amidst massive herds of raucous Netherlands supporters blaring orange vuvuzelas, screaming “Let’s go Holland” and climbing up railings on the side of the road.  Cape Town, built in colonial style and tucked into the coast of the southern tip of Africa, resembled a mini-Amsterdam.  Uruguayans had to be shaking their heads at their strange misfortune, outnumbered by tens of thousands Dutch supporters. 

The Dutch influence can still be seen everywhere.  The Dutch accent can be heard in local Afrikaans speech.  Caucasians with blonde hair and pale blue eyes look like Dutchmen.  Even the townships resemble the ones of native Amsterdam. 

The Netherlands’ players are at a home away from home anywhere they go as natives, black, colored and white, wear orange jumpsuits, scarves and top-hats.  Their faces are painted with the colors of the Netherlands’ flag and their backs wore the same patriotism. 

When I entered Green Point Stadium for the semifinal, orange covered the stadium. Only very small patches of Uruguay blue could be noticed.  South Africa had chosen their team.  And the Dutch delivered.

The Netherlands beat Uruguay 3-2 with a high octane offense and beautiful passing in the open field to come within one win of a championship.  After the game, people danced around their cars in the street in celebration.  Fans with crazy Dutch costumes yelled at the top of their lungs in joy at a team who did not lose in qualifying and now is 6-0 during the World Cup.  Native Dutch back home in Europe can hardly believe the impeccable streak because Netherlands is historically known to flop out of the tournament at the most inopportune of times. 

Dazzling stars Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie take the party to Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.  Sixty-four games will have been played in this wild tournament, and only two teams vie to claim the most glorified trophy in sports.  The “best team to never win a World Cup” will attempt to change its fate against the World Cup favorite in the perfect orange storm environment on Sunday.