Yayabiko

It was one of the those magical nights, after a long work week, the weather was hot and steamy, the kind of weather that drives everyone from their apartments looking for cool breezes; ice cream cones. The Dutch team was trailing the heavily favored Brazilian squad, who split the Dutch defense, scoring with ease. Then after 53 minutes the Dutch ricocheted a shot off a Brazilian defender and into the goal. Tie game. 15 minutes later the Dutch scored again, a header from the shortest man on the pitch. Two improbable goals from an improbable team about to dispatch the favorite to win the whole World Cup. In Amsterdam, the Dutch poured into the street, an electrical night where complete strangers approached each other for a high five, a laugh, or a joke. The sun hung in the air a little longer while a current passed through the streets, connecting everyone wearing orange. Even if the Netherlands goes on to win the World Cup, the victory wouldn’t be as sweet as tonight.