one of the best uses of the long-ball was netherlands striker dennis bergkamp's goal against argentina in the 1998 fifa world cup. dutch defender frank de boer initiated the move from near the middle of the field, with a long pass that curled over 7 opposing players. bergkamp controlled the difficult ball, spun past a defender and smashed it home. the example illustrates the power of the long-ball style but also that it is more than simply pumping the ball upfield. only bergkamp's excellent skills were able to take advantage of the de boer's outstanding, and daring pass. as such, it emphasizes that football is a game requiring not only a comprehensive package of individual skills, but imagination and creativity as well. both are present in the long-ball style.