Netherlands, that the fourth time lucky

Last update 6 April, 2024 by Alberto Llopis

Holland alongside Uruguay represents a rare exception in the world of football. A small country of just 16 million people in the habit of players out of nowhere and turn them into glittering stars. A selection until years 70 just painted anything on the international scene and currently owns no less than three world subchampionships. That is the description of a team that goes to Brazil with doubts.

With doubt because Holland has good players, talent to spare to reach any instance, but also huge hesitations and above all, one full draw pump mined. Middle of the field up few teams can present the letter to have Robben, Huntelaar, Van Persie, Sneijder o Van der Vaart. Creation, overflow, gol, what every country dreams for the World Cup has Netherlands. But also, defensive frailties in an experimental line will address mostly the first great international experience.

Knowing that Louis Van Gaal is technical no doubt that bet on the Netherlands 4-3-3 and the game ball as pattern. They want the ball and go to parties. But framed in such a tough group as B, God only knows where will the shots. Spain, Chile and Australia require the best versions of tulips, if that little could be crossed with Brazil in second round, tough opponent, although inaccessible, As they demonstrated four years ago in South Africa.

The story owes over and who knows if it is in South America where “orange” Saldan your outstanding account. If it were so, surely everyone would rejoice. Because after all, we are all Holland.

Strengths:

• The individual. Van Persie leads an attack that has Robben and a number of players who can resolve games at any given time. That's gold in a World Cup and that's what has always characterized Netherlands, precisely.

• Betting on attack. Speed, bands, pressure, tulips with Van Gaal will return to their classical scheme and with them the football-show, that which is always linked to Netherlands.

• Outstanding account. Although it can also be a handicap, winning the Dutch will revenge and will do from the first game. That can put them squarely in the championship.

Weak points:

• The defense. A relatively young defensive line may be the great vulnerability of Holland. Much lower when they have the ball sometimes suffering disorders that are usually paid very expensive when playing against the best.

• The draw. Designed by the devil, if that were not enough to face Spain, Chile or Australia in the group stage, in the second round could touch them Brazil. Of course, not all would be lost, but it would be hard task to eliminate the hosts.

Alignment:

Coach:

Few presentations are needed the next character. He has directed the best teams in the world and always leaving their mark. His methods are not the most orthodox but effective. True to his 4-3-3 with him will die and he will leave his taste for good football. Yes indeed, for it will lead straight to his players well. That's Louis Van Gaal, in charge of finding the Netherlands win their first World, 40 years after his first final.

Of course Van Gaal will not be alone. For such a difficult mission will beside Patrick Kluivert. Praetorian Guard for a man who has always been surrounded by his people, has kept some distance with the press, something vital in long championships concentrations are as World. Precisely, harmonize the group and provide them with good atmosphere will be one of the challenges.

Honors:

• 1 Euro Cup (1988)
• 3 global subchampionships (1974, 78 y 2010)