FIFA World Cup eluded the legendary Johan Cruyff and co. in 1974. Four years later, Cruyff wasn’t there but his compatriots still reached the World Cup final and again lost it. That’s how Netherlands has been, entertaining the entire world with Rinus Michels’ Total Football, but hasn’t been able to win any major crown except 1988 European Championships. Netherlands performance in 1974 was incredible as they defeated Brazil, Argentina and East Germany in the second round to reach the finals. But hosts West Germany defeated the Dutch by 2-1. In their next World Cup in 1978, again Netherlands displayed brilliant football and after beating Austria and Italy, they drew with West Germany to reach the finals against the hosts, Argentina. In the controversy marred final, Netherlands lost 3-1 and history was repeated again. But in 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa Netherlands are looking highly ambitious and dangerous too.
How They Got There?
Arjen Robben's Trickery Will Cause Nightmares
The Flying Dutchmen have shown tremendous form in the qualifiers by winning all the eight matches. They defeated FYR Macedonia, Iceland, Norway and Scotland in both home and away matches. In the process they scored 17 goals and conceded just 2. Despite the presence of Norway and Scotland, Netherlands comfortably topped Group 9 and sailed straight to the World Cup finals.
The Coach
Netherlands national football team is coached by Bert van Marwijk, a former Dutch club footballer with an ordinary playing career. As a coach, Marwijk’s biggest achievement was when he led the Dutch club Feyenoord to lift the UEFA Cup in 2002. Apart from coaching several Dutch football clubs, he also coached German giant Borussia Dortmund. Though appointment of Bert van Marwijk as Holland’s national coach was not received positively by the fans, his cent percent success rate in the qualifiers has taken him to a different level. And with the legends like Philip Cocu, Frank de Boer and Dick Voorn assisting Marwijk, things are certainly looking positive for the coach. Just like his predecessors Marwijk too believes in attacking football and so far it has paid off well.
The Team
How Will The Flying Dutchmen Fare?
The Netherlands world cup squad is full of young players. The forward line comprises of Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, Arsenal’s striker Robin van Persie and Liverpool duo Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt. The midfield has Bayern’s Mark van Bommel, Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong and Real’s Rafael van der Vaart. The formidable Dutch defense that conceded only two goals in the qualifiers have PSV’s Andre Ooijer, Feyenoord‘s Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Bayern’s Edson Braafheid and Hamburg’s Joris Mathijsen. Ajax’s Maarten Stekelenburg will be the chief custodian for the Dutch.
How Much Justice Will They Bring To Their Skills
2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa will be Netherland’s ninth World Cup appearance. Despite giving the world some of the most gifted players, lifting the World Cup has still been a dream for Netherlands. Will the Bert van Marwijk led team be able to achieve what their predecessors couldn’t? Will Netherlands put a stop to the allegations of “big match chokers” forever in South Africa? We do not know yet, but just a few more days wait and all will be unveiled in the greatest show on earth.
Others in Group E
1. Denmark
2. Japan
3. Cameroon
