Poland, Jun15: “Lef.” It's a tiny three-letter word that for decades has meant what Netherlands football is all about.
The term translates to nerve, daring and guts all mixed into a smooth, creative kind of play that made Oranje famous around the globe. Look at Johan Cruyff, and you see “lef” personified.
It showed how a nation of just 16 million turned into world beaters on the pitch.
Now, for the first time in living memory, the Dutch team doesn't have enough of it at the European Championship after losing its first two matches. Even the coach says so.
The Netherlands needs Group B archrival Germany to beat Denmark on Sunday to stand a chance to survive. And even then, it still has to beat Portugal by two goals.
