Footballing Soul: The Netherlands' National Trauma and France's Quest for Immortality

France

The French national side has been inextricably linked with manager Didier Deschamps for more than a decade. The man who took charge of the squad in 2012 following years of damaging internal conflicts gave the team an entirely fresh identity and forged it into an unyielding winning machine. Deschamps has already lifted the World Cup as both a player and a coach, and now stands on the brink of an unprecedented treble - triumphing once more as a coach and cementing his legendary status.

"He is simply a winner. He possesses a natural winning mentality. He is a leader who thrives on responsibility and the fight on the front line," says his former teammate and legendary defender Marcel Desailly.

The bedrock of France's success is defensive resilience, anchored by players such as William Saliba and N'Golo Kante. The solid defensive block serves a single purpose: to create the platform for a devastating transition into attack.

"When France regain possession, everything shifts. The speed of our transition has always been our trademark," adds Desailly. It is precisely this capacity to instantly and ruthlessly exploit even the smallest opponent error that makes "Les Bleus" the overwhelming favourite for the entire tournament.

The Netherlands

In contrast, the Netherlands - the nation that gifted the world revolutionary total football - bears a historic weight. The Oranje have lost World Cup finals in 1974, 1978, and 2010.

"In a way, it is a trauma. When you lose three finals and come so close every time, it leaves a scar. My entire generation is marked by the lost final against Spain," agrees Flashscore News Dutch expert Paul Winters.

Although the Dutch have always strived to play exceptionally attractive football, it has never resulted in the coveted trophy. "It is a paradox, is it not? There was always the desire to play beautiful football, but it never led to victory," smiles former Dutch forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Now, under the guidance of returning coach Ronald Koeman, the Dutch are seeking to rediscover their lost equilibrium and reclaim the positions that are rightfully theirs. With a defence firmly marshalled by captain Virgil van Dijk and a midfield orchestrated by Frenkie de Jong, they finally have an opportunity to step out of their own shadow.

Will the Dutch desire to break the long-standing curse prove sufficient?

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel, where you will find in-depth tactical analysis and compelling stories of the eight main favourites of the greatest world championship in history!