Netherlands vs Mexico: Dutch squad promised free trip into space if they win the 2014 World Cup

Louis van Gaal's men are just four wins away from outer space

Charles Reynolds

Sunday 29 June 2014 12:34

Robin van Persie scores a header in the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Spain

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After finishing runners-up on three occasions, it is fair to say the Netherlands are keener than most to secure their elusive maiden World Cup title.

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However as if that wasn't enough, this year's squad have been given an even bigger incentive to bring the trophy home, after a Dutch aerospace company have offered them all a trip into space if they managed to boldly go where no Dutch team has gone before and win the competition.

Practically unspellable Dutch aerospace engineering company Ruimtevaartbedrijf SXC, or SXC for short, have promised the 23-man squad all a flight into space if they win their next four games and therefore the World Cup trophy.

The offer is apparently inspired by Robin van Persie 'taking flight' to score his spectacular headed goal in the 5-1 thrashing of Spain.

Arjen Robben - astronaut?

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Co-founder of SXC, Michiel Mol, told Dutch media:

“As a company of Dutch origin, we are mega proud of the achievements of Oranje in Brazil. An unearthly performance deserves an unearthly reward!

“We are going to try to take the players literally to a higher level – 103 km!

“[We'll take] the whole selection of 23 players and of course, Louis van Gaal.”

World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

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1/11World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

The Mexican goalkeeper produced a man of the match display to keep Brazil at bay and has been at the heart of a resolute defence that has helped put the side in the knockout stages.

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Reportedly on the radar of several Premier League clubs and you can see why. Provider of some crucial assists already, he has looked a serious talent.

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The veteran centre-back has turned back the years to marshal a disciplined Mexican defence and lead his side into the knockout rounds.

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Another old-timer who many thought had his best years behind him. Yepes has looked solid for Colombia and even managed a marauding run through midfield at one point.

The Netherlands man provided the superb assist for Robin van Persie's magnificent header, and Blind has offered a different option with his charges forward down the left-flank. Has the most assists in the tournament so far alongside Juan Guillermo Cuadrado.

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The Germany captain had a quiet start to the tournament as he let the attacking-minded players take the plaudits against Portugal. But he has controlled the strings since, completing more passes than any other player, and his versatility means Muller, Mesut Ozil and the likes can push on to leave Lahm marshaling the back-four.

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Robben's pace to blow away Sergio Ramos summed up his performance in the 5-1 dismantling of Spain, as he starred throughout the Netherlands' group campaign. Three goals from his eight shots represents a very solid return.

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One of the stars of the World Cup so far, Rodriguez became the Colombian to score in all three of their group games, helping the South Americans to progress to the second round as winners of Group C.

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How can you leave Messi out of any best XI? Answer - you can't. Proving the doubters wrong, Messi put in three match-winning performances to help Argentina improve as the tournament goes on and book their spot in the last 16. He takes a roaming midfield role in our XI, but with the way he is playing at the moment, we'll let him play where he wants!

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Brazil's poster boy for the World Cup has dominated the headlines since the tournament began. Two goals against Croatia in controversial circumstances, and another brace against Cameroon sees Neymar level with Messi and Muller on four goals so far. Can the golden boy go on to claim the golden boot as well as the golden trophy?

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With no recognised striker in their starting line-up, Muller has flourished spearheading a German attack that interchanges position at will. If Germany are to be knocked out, Muller will have to be marked out of the game, as he has already shown this prowess in front of goal if he is given the chance.

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SXC are reportedly hoping to be able to offer commercial flights into space from next year, meaning that Arjen Robben and co. could be the first footballer astronauts as early as 2016.

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