Holland – World Cup 2014 – Betting

Manager: Louis van Gaal
Captain: Robin van Persie
FIFA Ranking: 10
World Cup Appearances: 9
Best World Cup: Runner’s-up – 1974, 1978, 2010

Holland Team Profile

It’s rare that the Netherlands, or Holland – whichever you prefer – turn up at these major events without their own unique party atmosphere, and the crazy Dutch could meet their match with the locals in BRazil. On the pitch, however, Holland will mean business as their explosive players will look to drive Holland towards their fourth final appearance in a World Cup and possibly to win the competition for the very first time as well.

Holland have been the bridesmaid on three occasions losing out again four years ago against Spain, a match in which they didn’t win themselves any fans. That 2010 loss was after coming up short in the final of the World Cups in 1974 & 1978. It is a little tricky to put the Dutch into context. On the face of things they have a strong squad, and they have good quality in there and they have their attractive style of play. Is it enough to mount a genuine World Cup push this time around? Bookmakers don’t seem to think so with them out at 33/1 ahead of the big kick off in Brazil.

The group that lies ahead for them shouldn’t be too much of a problem, they should complete that part of the mission fairly comfortably, even if it is as runner up to Spain. The challenge of the Spaniards, who they face in their opening group match on June 13th will be the toughest the Dutch will face, having then to go on and play Chile, who could be at tricky side, and then Australia. Their defining game could well be against the enterprising Chileans in a race for second spot.

Nicknames: Oranje, The Flying Dutchmen

Holland Key Players

Arjen Robben is a magician on the ball, weaving in and out of defences with ease, using the quickness of his feet and his flexibility to dodge oncoming tackles. He occupies one of the flanks usually, often making the full-backs next 90 minutes a nightmare, but he’s prone to cutting inside and having a pop and he too is deadly from long range. Robben doesn’t get a lot of back lift with his shots but they fizz through the air at a disturbing rate of knots, often swerving from side-to-side that the keeper has no chance. A key part of Holland’s chances is the Bayern Munich star.

Robin Van Persie is one of our personal favourites; such a delicate little footballer, sort of Dennis Bergkamp like in how he goes about playing the beautiful game. His deft touches, jinxing little runs in between defenders and one lethal shot make the Dutch winger one of the best forwards in the modern game. He’s also a fabulous reader of the play, often seeing a move before it’s even happened. Great vision, the ability to pick out and implement the perfect through ball and  proven scorer, now Holland’s leading goalscorer of all time.

Strengths

The catalyst for their success is generally in the way that they counter-attack. They are lightening quick, precise with their passes and emphatic with their finishing. The Dutch can look a sheer delight to watch, and with some explosive and exciting players within their midst once again, we’re expecting some more quick breakaways in Brazil as they look to make the pace and guile of the three Dutch musketeer’s to good effect; Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie, all of which are more than comfortable when in possession, know how to take on a defender and certainly know where the goal is. Given the chance to run towards goal, either of the three will punish opponents.

Weaknesses

While the Dutch have Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as big guns up front, helped along nicely by Arjen Robben, Holland are perhaps at their weakest in the central midfield area. They have lost Kevin Strootman through injury and Wesley Sneijder is not as effective as he was four years ago. They generally set up to block the midfield but this time around they do lack a bit of real quality in there and that is why they aren’t trading stronger than they are in World Cup betting after a strong qualification process.

Holland Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe
Group: D
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 9-1-0
Goals Scored: 34
Goals Conceded: 5

World Cup Potential: 3 / 5

Holland have some explosive players in their midst, players which can really make a difference and have that big game experience from club football. They’re a team jam packed with creativity and forward ingenuity, with the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie all boasting that vital match winning mentality. We aren’t entirely convinced with their defence, nor what they can put out in central midfield. There is a bit of a sense that they were stronger four years ago, but they are long enough odds to perhaps tempt punters into backing them to spring a surprise.

Holland World Cup Betting Odds

Holland to win the World Cup:          28/1 – Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Holland were 33/1

Holland World Cup 2014 Fixtures – Group B

World Cup 2014 Group B Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results