Holland at the World Cup

Manager: Bert Van Marwijk
Captain: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst
FIFA Ranking: 3
World Cup Appearances: 8
Best World Cup: Runner’s-up – 1974, 1978

Profile:

It’s very rare that the Dutch don’t show up in these major events and bring with them their own unique party atmosphere. Bert Van Marwijk side not only eased to qualification but they became the very first side in Europe to book their ticket to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. They won the smallest group in the European sector whilst retaining an unbeaten record throughout. However, they did have a fairly easy group on paper and the world cup itself will be a much sterner test for the laid back Dutch.

Holland did manage to qualify for the world cup back in 2006 but they failed to make any real inroads. They were sent crashing out at the last sixteen stage in 2002 when they went down 1-0 to eventual fourth-placed Portugal, losing 1-0. However, they failed to even make the finals back in 2002 so the 2006 campaign was a major improvement. They are expected to make a push for the title itself but we just can’t see Holland lifting the the prestigious trophy at the end of the tournament.

Key Players:

Robin Van Persie -

The Arsenal winger will be Holland’s biggest threat going forward next summer. Not only does he posses the talent to strike a ball for phenomenal power but the 25 year-old can score from just about anywhere on the pitch. He also knows how to take a lean Free-Kick as well but scoring is not the be all and end all for Van Persie. His ability to to attack full-backs and whip in some ferocious crosses means he notches up just as many assists as he does goals. Injuries restricted his appearances at the European Championship back in 2008 but providing he stays fit for South Africa next year, he is certainly a player you need to keep an eye on.

Dirk Kuyt –

Since his arrival to Liverpool from Feyernoord back in 2007, Kuyt has established himself as one of the first players on the team sheet for both club and country. His immense work rate has earned him the respect of all his peers you’ll often see the Liverpool forward running to his hearts content on the field. Although Dirk Kuyt was brought into the Liverpool ranks with a forwards reputation, he does operate down the right flank and he plays in a similar role for Holland. To his credit, he has adapted to the position extremely well and his crossing ability has come on leaps and bounds. He also has a unique knack of sneaking in at the back post and finding the net and he will be eager to add to his tally of 12 goals for Holland in South Africa.

Strengths:

Despite not possessing the quickest of players, Holland are renowned for their blistering counter-attacks. This was evident in the 2008 European Championship when Holland humiliated Italy in their opening game and then demolished France in the second game of the group by virtue of their classy counter-attacking style. This tactic works so well for Holland as they have players in the middle of the park who can ship the ball out to the wings where Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie can then terrorise the opposing full-backs.

Weakness:

A small flaw in their plan could be their forwards. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is a young lad with talent but has been reduced to just a handful of appearances at his new club Real Madrid but has just moved to Stuttgart so hopefully he will get the minutes on the pitch he needs heading into the world cup. However, with the exception of Huntelaar, there isn’t really any recognised strikers in the Holland camp after Van Nistlerooy retired from international football after the European Championships. They’ve had to grin and bear it in qualification and dealt well with the apparent absence but they will need more out-an-out strikers at the finals.

Qualification:

Sector: Europe
Group: 9
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose:
Goals Scored:
Goals Conceded:

Qualifying statistics:

- Holland were the first country in the European sector to qualify for the World Cup and cruising to qualification in the smallest group.

World Cup Potential:        3 / 5

Holland have always had a squad capable of doing big things at the major tournaments. However, for one reason or another, it just doesn’t come right the Dutch. They do have a talented squad but we feel they’ve gone into major finals with better and with the likes of Van Dar Saar & Ruud Van Nistlerooy both retiring from international football, Holland do look a tad light in terms of quality. They will be a dangerous team to face but they’re certainly a beatable opposition.

Current World Cup Odds:          12/1 – Bet365

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