Forgive me for gushing but, for once, I’m actually genuinely excited by something with the word ‘Europa’ in the title. From the ridiculous to the sublime in just three days flat; few journeys transport one as far as that which we’re about to take.

SO HOW was it for you? Did the earth move? See stars before your eyes? Hear a ringing in your ears?

NETHERLANDS coach Bert van Marwijk has taken inspiration from former Dutch greats but insists comparisons cannot be drawn between his World Cup finalists and the ‘total football’ legends of the past.