Rafael van der Vaart steals the show live on TV before the Dutch World Cup match: 'I'm doing something crazy'

Van der Vaart immediately caught the eye during the evening broadcast of the World Cup. The former top footballer, who played for clubs like Ajax, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur, appeared in a bright orange jacket. "I have a good feeling about it and confidence in the Dutch national team, so I thought: I'll do something crazy," Van der Vaart explained.

The 109-cap international has been a regular analyst for Dutch national team matches for years but is particularly looking forward to kick-off. "I'm done with all the chatter about who should play and in what system. Just play some good football, now it really counts."

"A folk singer?" fellow analyst Pierre van Hooijdonk jokingly asked Van der Vaart. The former footballer responded with a laugh. "Cuckoo," he chuckled, referring to his contribution to the special World Cup hit by John de Bever and Wilfred Genee, which he recorded with Wesley Sneijder.

Van Hooijdonk was a bit more reserved in his expectations. "I have less confidence. What should that be based on?" the former international wondered aloud. "That's just my hope. The last warm-up matches weren't great, and the international fixtures in March weren't anything to write home about either. I hope it turns around in one game, but let's take it easy."

The World Cup has been underway for several days, but for the Netherlands and Japan, it truly begins at 10:00 PM. After that, they will face Sweden (June 20, 7:00 PM) and Tunisia (June 26, 1:00 AM).

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