Tonight’s the night. Holland will play Spain for the World Championship of the biggest sport on earth, soccer. We have waited 32 years since our last final, which we lost. Having seen those moments over and over again, while only being 31 years old, made me realize how big this is. This is once in a lifetime.

So how do people react on this? We have seen Holland become European Champions in 1988 and the whole country exploded. The canals were stuffed with supporters and boats sunk because too many people were standing on them. But this is all after we’ve won it.

Now, on the morning of the big day we have woken up after last night’s thunder showers. It seems like a normal Sunday. In some minutes I am gonna roll some fresh croissants for breakfast and we’re off for the day. Still, everybody knows. You see it in the streets. People say hello. Everybody is happy and becoming more nervous every hour. Tonight the country will hold its breath for 90 minutes.

We all know this final can define how we think of the World Cup for the next 32 years. This is big. On the other hand, it is out of your control. We just have to wait and see and I can tell you I can’t wait. For all those who will win eternal legend will wait, for those who fail they will be reminded over and over again. If it goes wrong, at least I’ve won myself some dough with my predictions. Small consilation.

Regardless of the result, it has been great to experience the whole tournament so far. Far more important than the game is the vibe you can feel all over the country, it’s almost Woodstock. Put that orange flower in your hair! Go around the country in your car and just wave that flag and people will give you thumbs up! See all those Turkish immigrants do the same in their old Mercedes! Make as much noise as you can on this quiet Sunday! There’s nobody who can take that experience away from us. Ever.