In the 1970s the Dutch played in two Cup championship games, losing both times. This year the Netherlands hopes to put an end to its also-ran reputation during the World Cup 94.

Everything is just about ready. in Orlando, Florida, painters have finished the massive black and white panels that have transformed the copper dome of the new city hall into a giant soccer ball. Near Detroit, agronomists from Michigan State University have covered the synthetic turf in the Pontiac Silverdome with…