I'm not necessarily calling you an armchair academic, I'm calling your attitude the attitude of those people and the polar opposite of professional athletes. People sure have fond memories of barefoot NFL kickers who provided hours of entertainment, but they were phased out because it hurt accuracy (i.e. winning). If you can entertain and certainly win, then go ahead an entertain, but the top priority is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS the result. First and foremost. I feel like what I'm saying is advocating some kind of German attitude which you find so objectionable, but perhaps it is better called the Brazil philosophy. See, Brazil had a team in 1982 that was considered one of the best ever. Everyone in 1982 was delighted with the play of Brazil and considered them the best team at the tournament. Even though they didn't win, their legacy is much greater and better than that of the Italian team who actually won the tournament. But you know who doesn't think like this? Brazilians. Sure they have some fond memories, but that team lost and it will never be forgotten. Maybe the 2002 team or the 1994 team wasn't as good, but they won, and that's the MOST IMPORTANT PART. The Italians were at the peak of a very defensive minded il gioco all'Italiana phase (not very attractive), but in Brazil they are respected as the better team.
Your point about "how Argentina wants us to think of 1978" missed the mark so badly it's a wonder you actually have these academic degrees. I was comparing the joy and ecstasy of a nation in Argentina with the dispair and pain for the entire nation of the Netherlands. One team leaves a lasting mark on the sport and one team wins... so why are the Dutch so distraught and why did Argentina pursue a more negative game plan when they certainly had the players to be entertaining? Because... wait for it... sports is about winning.
Johnny Rep: Not every year, but Ajax is a club where the boys played football with style.
Interviewer: Is that more important than winning?
Rep: Winning is always important.
I: Because now people like Co Adriaanse and Foppe de Haan say that the only important thing is to play beautiful football.
Rep: Well, they are crazy. But I don't think they really mean it.
Brilliant Orange is packed full of quotes like this.