Every single Dutch fan I know thinks they were hard done by in 2006 during the Portugal match, and that "the dirty Portuguese" did them one. When I point that their lot, in fact, started it (Boulahrouz studding Ronaldo, Van Bommel getting various players booked), they just blank me and say that the "dirty Portuguese" deserved it anyway for what happened later.

As a nation of football fans, the Dutch have an image of their team as one of 11 Johan Cruijffs who will dance their way to the title, seeing as they are the only lot who know how to pass the ball. If they lose it is because the other team are too physical, cheated, or both.

This self-image is quite far removed from teh reality of a pesky little team of average journeymen who cheated a fine Ivory Coast side out of their place in the second round and then tried to maim one of the best young players at the tournament.

As a footballing nation, they would be much better if they were humble enough to admit that they could actually learn a thing or two from other nations.

But I've experienced this playing youth football in the Netherlands. They are so set on their perfect system that it takes all the fun out of the game. Shoot from outside the box? Are you mental?