A feeling of regret permeated the hearts of those who supported the Dutch national team. If the ball had slowed down just a few turns, it would have landed safely in the goalkeeper's hands. At that moment, the goal difference in this fateful match would have widened in favor of the Netherlands , instead of stopping at a 1-1 draw.
Many people, based on their experience and numerous encounters with penalty shootouts, believe that this is a crucial moment on the pitch that signals which side will be lucky or unlucky.
Morocco breathed a sigh of relief after a shaky start, regaining their composure for the subsequent penalty shootouts. After the fourth round, the score was 2-2. In the decisive penalty kick, goalkeeper Bounou pushed the ball over the crossbar from Summerville's shot. Then, Bounou's teammate Saibari successfully converted his penalty, sending his team into the Round of 16.
Luck was not on the Netherlands' side. And the tense moment on the penalty shootout at Guadalupe Stadium in Monterrey encapsulated this reality. The setback led to manager Ronald Koeman's departure and left those who admired the elegant, traditional style of play from the younger generations of Ruud Gullit and Van Basten disappointed.
"Prophet" Joachim Klement had to quickly apologize to fans for his earlier prediction. Using his experience and the methods of an economist, he had asserted that the Netherlands would win this World Cup .
It wasn't just the Dutch; many viewers also nodded in agreement with the words of the person who had correctly predicted the results of the three previous finals. It's embarrassing that the pitch turned cold before even reaching the halfway point, proving that he couldn't possibly be a prophet.
“I apologize if my predictions once gave you hope and now disappoint you. It was just bad luck!” Klement explained. The “prophet” cited Rahimi’s shot, Verbruggen’s diving save, and the ball’s roll over the goal line. With a realistic perspective on the depth of the squad and the road ahead, Klement praised the Dutch team’s playing style and form.
In this respect, the economist seems to resemble Major League Soccer (MLS) hero Sebastien Le Toux. Having arrived in the US from France in 2007, the 42-year-old spent almost his entire career there and retired from the sport in 2018.
Having followed the early stages of the 2026 World Cup, he believes that American soccer will undergo a significant transformation, drawing on many innovative new approaches. In Le Toux's view, the French team, with its squad depth and numerous great talents, will lift the trophy.
Of course, the French will be pleased with the prediction of a football hero. However, it remains to be seen whether he will later feel the same remorse as that prophetic economist…
Source: https://baodanang.vn/van-may-vua-can-3342660.html
