The Netherlands is buzzing, and not just from the caffeine. As King Willem-Alexander and his family celebrated a weekend of World Cup victories on both the men's and women's sides, the lager flowed and orange ticker tape rained down on Amsterdam's squares. There's something unashamedly tribal about a nation that paints itself head-to-toe in orange and calls it diplomacy.
But this double win is more than a sporting feat: it's a sociological mirror. The Dutch have long mastered the art of collective joy without the ugly jingoism that often accompanies such triumphs. Watch a Dutch crowd: they celebrate with a pragmatic efficiency, clinking biertjes before turning to help an elderly fan to her seat.
The royals played their part, performing that delicate balance between accessibility and awe. King Willem-Alexander was seen jumping with his daughters, a moment of genuine, unfiltered delight that PR teams dream of. Meanwhile, back in Britain, the betting shops are hemorrhaging cash.
The odds on an England resurgence have shortened, but the national mood is more guarded. We've been burned before. The chatter in pubs is not about glory but about 'building for the future', a phrase that smacks of self-protection.
The psychological difference between the two nations is stark: the Dutch assume success is their birthright; we assume heartbreak. For the average fan on the street, this royal double in the Netherlands represents a rare moment of uncontaminated happiness. No political subtext, no royal scandal.
Just a king in a tracksuit and a whole country agreeing that, for once, everything is going to be alright. For England, the lesson is less about tactics and more about attitude. We need to learn to enjoy the party before the hangover arrives.