Dutch show value of a golden goal for soccer

A date with destiny has been set for Chinese soccer. It may be time to go Dutch.

With a vision to be a global soccer power by 2050, China plans to get 50 million children and adults playing the game by 2020. It could be called 20/20 vision. Goals also include 20,000 training centers and 70,000 pitches in place as the decade ends.

But why the Dutch? After all, they have never won a World Cup. Just over 50 years ago, they emerged from being a third-rate soccer power to inherit Brazil's 1970 mantle for style at the 1974 World Cup. In the early 1960s, they introduced local mini-leagues for youngsters, crucially cutting back on travel time and transport costs for families. Innovation and creativity were prioritized. A flick, back-heel, accurate passing, and, above all, commitment, were the priorities. Like the economy, the GDP rate was set. Goals, devotion, performance. At adult level, above 16, money for players was improved, allowing soccer players to make a living. The Dutch, with nothing to lose, started winning.