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World Cup 2010 Teams – Netherlands

The Dutch will once again be looking to overcome their reputation as World Cup underachievers in South Africa. Often tipped for success, the Netherlands has frequently failed to make its mark on the tournament, and has yet to lift the trophy. The days of ‘total football’ may have been and gone, but the Dutch will again be heading in to a World Cup with a strong side.

Qualification

The Netherlands qualified for South Africa with relative ease. Group Nine was not the greatest of challenges, with Norway and Scotland providing the only real competition. Nonetheless, the Dutch did well to win all 8 group games, scoring 17 goals and conceding only 2. Norway and Scotland finished second and third respectively, both a full 14 points behind the Dutch.

World Cup History

The Netherlands has a big reputation in world football, but its World Cup record is far from impressive. The Dutch played in both the 1934 and 1938 World Cups, but failed to progress beyond the first round. After France ’38, the national team fell into football obscurity, failing to qualify for another World Cup until 1974.

The Seventies, however, saw the rise of Dutch football and, more specifically, its distinctive brand of ‘total football’. Led by flamboyant playmaker Johan Cruyff, the Dutch beat both Brazil and Argentina en route to the 1974 World Cup final. West Germany beat the Netherlands 2-1in the final, but Dutch football had been brought to the world’s attention. The team once again reached the final in 1978, but was beaten by World Cup hosts Argentina.

Having twice missed its chance for World Cup glory, the Dutch team began to falter and the Netherlands failed to qualify for the next two World Cups. A quarter-final exit in 1994 and a fourth-place finish in 1998 have been the only real highlights since the 1970s.

The Coach

Bert van Marwijk may not be the biggest name in football management, but his unbeaten run in qualifying has helped reassure Dutch fans that he is the right man for the job. Van Marwijk started his footballing life as a decent attacking midfielder, winning one cap for the national side before pursuing a coaching career.

His greatest success as a manager came during his first stint in charge of Feyenoord, a club he led to UEFA Cup glory in 2002. After two and a half uninspiring seasons in charge of Borussia Dortmund, Van Marwijk returned to Feyenoord. He added the 2008 KNVB Cup to his collection before the national team came calling.

Van Marwijk accepted the role as head coach of the Dutch national team with little hesitation, replacing the out-going Marco van Basten in 2008. Tactically, Van Marwijk is focused upon attack. Harking back to the days of ‘total football’, he looks for his teams to move the ball fluidly between midfield and attack. The Netherlands certainly has the right players for this expansive form of football, but it will also need to be tough defensively to succeed in South Africa. Van Marwijk will also need to keep an eye on squad harmony and discipline as the Dutch have not yet shaken off their temperamental reputation.

The Players

The Dutch squad is not short of attacking options. Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt are all versatile attacking footballers. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will also feature as an out-and-out striker. Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong will be used to anchor the midfield and break up opposition attacks.

Hugely experienced team captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst will lead from the back, alongside the likes of John Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen. André Ooijer should make the squad despite his advancing years. Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg will provide a safe pair of hands between the posts.

Group E

The Netherlands has been drawn in Group E alongside Denmark, Japan and Cameroon. Denmark did well to finish top of its World Cup qualifying group ahead of Portugal, Sweden and Hungary. The Danes look solid rather than spectacular but they have enough quality and confidence to test the Dutch. Japan is ranked 43rd in the world (according to FIFA) and is certainly the weakest team in Group E. The Cameroon squad is full of pace and power and Samuel Eto’o will be a huge threat in attack.

Group Matches and Analysis

The Netherlands will begin its group campaign with a key match against Denmark. A win here will almost guarantee qualification to the next round, while a loss could spell disaster. The next game against Japan should be a formality, while the final match against Cameroon will be tricky. The Dutch will not want to go into their last game against Cameroon needing 3 points to progress.

Much will depend upon the Danes, realistically the greatest challenge to Dutch dominance in Group E. Both teams will be desperate to win the group as the runners-up are likely to face Italy in the next round.

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