Will I use any excuse to post a video of the Ex? Why yes I will. Nothing could be more appropriate anyway, the Ex are big football fans. The Dutch style is based on a freedom of movement, and incredible individual virtuosity (though you wouldn’t know it from this year’s team). Improvisation seems to inform all of this. Anyway, this particular lineup of the Ex was my favorite, I remember seeing those solos live, and it would give you goosebumps.

As for Brazil, they are all set to culturally take over the world. I’m not too impressed with Dunga’s team, but there is no doubt they are the most likely to win the World Cup at this point. When the Netherlands & Brasil face off this year it won’t be as impressive as this: