There is a peculiar romance to the third place playoff. For the neutrals, it is a free hit, a chance to watch two weary sides let their hair down afte...
There is a peculiar romance to the third place playoff. For the neutrals, it is a free hit, a chance to watch two weary sides let their hair down after the emotional wringer of a semi final defeat. For the players, it is a curious mix of pride and profound disappointment. And for those of us in the stands at Arrowhead Stadium, rechristened Kansas City Stadium for this global jamboree, it is a chance to see the Dutch Orange blossom under the Missouri sun.The Dutch fans have found their perches, a vibrant splash of colour against the corporate grey. The noise is building, a low hum of expectation that will soon erupt into the national anthems. The players are in the tunnel, a final moment of quiet before the storm. Tunisia, in their crisp all white kit, will look to sting the Dutch on the break. They will sit in a low block, I suspect, and dare the Netherlands to break them down. It is the classic tactical conundrum: possession versus purpose, art versus attrition.The Dutch, kicking off from right to left in their familiar orange shirts and black shorts, are the undeniable favourites in terms of technical quality. But can they summon the emotional energy for one last performance That is the question that hangs in the humid air. A third place finish is a consolation, yes, but it is also a statement. It says we belong at this table. For Tunisia, this is hallowed ground. To walk away with a medal against one of the game's true aristocrats would be a monumental achievement. The stage is set. Let the final act of this World Cup begin.
