Regarded by coach Bert van Marwijk as the focal point of the Dutch attack, the Arsenal striker wants to emulate his heroes
THE OBSESSIVE in Robin van Persie is on the verge of finding fulfilment. Back home in Hampstead, the wall in the Arsenal striker’s games room is adorned with a print of Diego Maradona in all his pomp. “It’s an unbelievable picture of him holding up the World Cup,” said the Dutchman. “He’s on his team-mates’ shoulders and you can see the passion and the pride in his face. If we win it, I want that same picture but with me up there.”
That was always Van Persie’s dream, though it could now be realised. Victory over Uruguay secured the Netherlands’ passage to their first World Cup final in 32 years and a chance to avenge the near misses they endured in the 1974 and 1978 showpieces. Van Persie is in reach of the ultimate prize. The only other picture in the room is of Zinedine Zidane, France’s inspiration in 1998. These are idols to emulate.
The striker is still pinching himself at the prospect of the opportunity ahead. His own tournament has been stop-start, the legacy of a season wrecked by injury at Arsenal still sapping his strength in South Africa. While his team-mates embarked on their giddy lap of honour at Green Point Stadium, the 26-year-old crumpled to the turf and tried to catch his breath. If his fitness is still in doubt, his form has been just as patchy yet his significance to this side is clear. Bert van Marwijk considers him the focal point of the attack. In Johannesburg on Sunday, he will have one last chance to make a proper impression.
The incentive is clear. The World Cup conjures inspirational memories for Van Persie, even if most are gleaned from television footage he has viewed time and again back home. “As soon as I saw the video of Maradona lifting the trophy and crying back in ‘86 when I was a boy, I was hooked,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched that clip. I have always wanted to play in a final. To do that means more than anything.
“Of course I’ve watched the two Dutch finals as well, and I know our country’s history in this competition. It’s almost like you have to fight against the generations of 1974 and 1978. They were unbelievable: great players who came so close. To think that we could win it where they did not is unbelievable because they are legends – (Johan) Cruyff, (Johan) Neeskens, (Wim) Jansen – whose names you grew up with.
“Back home, if any of those guys says something, everybody listens because of what they achieved. Maybe people will listen to me in future. But, for now, none of this feels real. I’m used to watching other teams in the final but here we are, right in the middle of it. It hasn’t sunk in.”
Van Marwijk will ensure that his players are focused and fully prepared. The Netherland’s coach of two years has already performed a minor miracle in steering this squad to the final. The team are now unbeaten in 24 matches and, with 14 successive wins in qualifiers and World Cup games, has gained a relentless momentum.
There has been criticism back home that Van Marwijk has sacrificed flair for functionality. “We have a sound defence and a solid midfield, and from that base he wants us to create with the attack-minded players we have,” added Van Persie. “He recognises that we have to do it together, we are united. If you have a scenario where half the team does not get on with the other half, if this player isn’t talking to this player, or not celebrating when another scores, you are not going anywhere. Now it’s up to us to push on one more time. We have a chance of a lifetime which we must take.” Guardian Service
