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Under Rinus Michels, the Dutch reached two successive FIFA World Cup Finals in 1974 and 1978, that after not having played in the World Cup finals for nearly 40 years! The inventor of ‘total football' saw his team lose out by a minute margin to hosts West Germany and Argentina in two successive finals, and the Netherlands have failed to replicate the success of that 'genius team' ever since. It took the Dutch another 20 years to make it through to a World Cup semi-final, but In 1998 Holland lost on penalties to Brazil and further lost the 3rd-4th place play-off game to surprise package Croatia. A couple of years later the Dutch continued to choke from the spot missing two penalties in the Euro 2000 semi-finals against Italy, before eventually losing once again in a shoot-out.
Further disappointment was to follow, with the Dutch failing to qualify for the finals in 2002. In the 2006 World Cup , Holland were ousted by Portugal in the round of 16 in a match that is mostly remembered for some horrendous misses and a record number of red and yellow cards.
The Netherlands are currently ranked 4th in the world and are the favourites in Group E. Their group consists of Denmark, Cameroon and Japan who are all ranked outside the top 20 in the world. All three teams have a history of giant killing in the tournament but the Dutch should have enough quality to top the group and qualify.
In Euro 2008, the Netherlands were placed in the Group of Death consisting of Romania, Italy and France. They beat all three teams convincingly to make themselves one of the favourites to lift the title. But in the quarter finals they were undone by surprise package Russia.
The Oranje had a perfect qualification record winning all 8 of their fixtures. They scored 17 goals and conceded just 2 in the bargain. The group consisted of Norway, Iceland, Scotland and Macedonia. Under coach Bert van Marwij, the Dutch have lost just 1 of 18 matches, and look in very good form to keep that run going.
The Netherlands begin their campaign against Denmark and a victory should set them up nicely for a berth in the round of 16. The Japanese and Cameroonians could provide a stern test to Oranje but a stutter in their stride isn't expected.
Key Players:
Arjen Robben - Easily one of best Dutch footballers in European leagues, Robben has made a case for himself as potential European Footballer of the Year this season. He has been central to Bayern Munich's historical season under Dutchman Louis van Gaal and with his enticing runs on the flanks, stellar goals and pin point crosses, Robben has enthralled us all. He will be the Oranje player to look out for in South Africa.
Wesley Sneijder - After failing to to impress at the Santiago Bernabeu, Sneijder seems to have more than found his feet at San Siro with Inter Milan. Under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho, the talented Dutchman has received plaudits from all across Europe and his quality performances in the heart of midfield have propelled blue team of Milan to great heights. A set piece specialist, Sneijder is more than capable to win a game single-handedly with his moments of magic.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst: The team captain has played football at the highest level with Arsenal and Barcelona and is one of the few experienced men in defence. Bert van Marwijk realizes that 'old is gold' and with Bronckhorst's massive number of caps and almost two decade long domestic season, one would think that the left back has earned the respect of coach and colleagues alike. He will like to play out his last World Cup with a great showing.
Team:
Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Sander Boschker (FC Twente), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht);
Defenders: Vurnon Anita (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (HSV), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax) en André Ooijer (PSV);
Midfielders: Otman Bakkal (PSV), Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Wout Brama (FC Twente), Orlando Engelaar (PSV), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), David Mendes da Silva (AZ), Stijn Schaars (AZ), Wesley Sneijder (Inter), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax) Ibrahim Afellay (PSV);
Forwards: Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Jeremain Lens (AZ), Eljero Elia (HSV), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).
Top Goal Scorers: Rafael van der Vaart (15), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (15)
Most Capped Players: Giovanni van Bronckhorst (97), Rafael van der Vaart (75)
Head Coach: Bert van MarwijkForm Guide: (WWWDD)
Nov 14, Italy 0-0 Netherlands
Nov 18, Netherlands 0-0 Paraguay
Mar 03, Netherlands 2-1 United States
May 26, Netherlands 2-1 Mexico
June 5, Netherlands 6-1 Hungary
Fixtures:
14-Jun: Netherlands vs. Denmark 12:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
19-Jun: Netherlands vs Japan 12:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
24-Jun: Cameroon vs. Netherlands 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
Team Trivia
Holland's Ernie Brandts has the unique record of having scored a goal plus an own-goal during the same match in a World Cup match against Italy in 1978. Fortunately for Brandts, the Dutch still won 2-1.
Also Read:
Group Competitior Previews: Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
File Photograph Copyright: Tsutomu Takasu
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