Symbolic warfare?

The cities have been filling up up with orange-clad people. No, the country hasn't become Osho devotees but is in its first world cup final for (give or take) twenty five years. Win or lose, this evening will be one to remember (or perhaps - like the 1960s - if you remember it you weren't really there).





I'm glad that the heatwave (and, to a lesser extent, the prospect of staying 'at home' for the World Cup Final) dissuaded me from my plan of going to Brussels this weekend. Tonight is a night when heroes (and villains) both Dutch and Spanish will be made - and live on as such in the national consciousness for the rest of their sporting lives - and beyond. I think Spain has the edge =- and so does Paul the Octopus. He was right - and this being Wageningen - there's enough Spanish around to celebrate the winning goal.