Eredivisie: Eredivisie van Tafelvoetbal @ Tulip Time

The Netherlands' Top Soccer League

The "Eredivisie" is the top soccer league in the Netherlands. Eighteen teams currently compete for the championship shield, Champions League spots and UEFA Cup places; while also ensuring safety from relegation into the "Eerste Divisie".

The three teams who have dominated play with 63 of 111 titles between them are Ajax (29), PSV (20) and Feyenoord (14). Since 1965, these teams have won all but one of the championships, and are the only three Dutch clubs to enjoy success in Europe. AZ and Twente have also managed to reach the UEFA Cup final. AZ, who weren't even formed when a club outside the big three last won the league, were the only team to break the pattern with their title in 1981.

However at the beginning of the final day's play last season, it was AZ who led the league standings. Little "ah zed", whose glory years were in the early 80s, had a six-goal lead on Ajax, who were in turn just a single goal up on PSV. Yes, all three teams were tied on points and separated by goal difference.

AZ proceeded to lose their final game at strugglers Excelsior despite their opponents having their goalkeeper red carded in the 15th minute. Ajax were going well, holding a 2-0 lead at Willem II. But PSV, starting in third place at kick-off, stormed to a 5-1 win against Vitesse to win the Eredivisie shield by a single goal.

You can keep your Superbowl. Three teams all having a chance to win the championship on the final day, in three simultaneous games involving one third of the total teams in the league. And all three teams had their hands on the trophy at some point during the 90 minutes. Now that is drama!

Will our league recreate that drama this May? We hope so!