The Netherlands are the team that most merits retribution at the World Cup. Three times, the Dutch eleven made it to the World Cup final. Each time, it finished heartbreakingly second.
In two of those, West Germany in 1974 and Argentina in 1978, the hosts defeated the Dutch. They enjoyed a dominant run as contenders during a time when the Dutch played soccer with a loose and fluid style known as “total football.”
For those matches, the Netherlands undoubtedly harbors resentment toward Germany, Argentina, and Spain. The Dutch’s most famous conflicts have been centered on yet another South American side.
The Netherlands and Brazil have a history of acrimonious disagreement. Romário, Bebeto, and Dunga scored goals in the quarterfinals of USA 1994 to defeat the Dutch, 3-2. Four years later, Brazil won their semifinal match despite Philip Cocu and Ronald de Boer’s failed penalties.
The Netherlands has produced some of the most well-known soccer players in history, despite its highs and lows.
The Netherlands won all of the competition’s standings for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Dutch entered the World Cup as a “group 2” team, however, because of the World Cup draw procedure. As a result, it shared a boat with countries like the USA, Switzerland, and Germany, among others.
The Flying Dutchmen aim to end their losing streak and bring home the first World Cup for Holland. Led by Barcelona hybrid player Memphis Depay and Liverpool centre back and squad captain Virgil van Dijk.
Goalkeepers
Possibly the Dutch team’s weakest link.
Although Justin Bijlow appears to be in the lead to wear the No. 1 jersey, his history of injuries and recent lackluster play may force Van Gaal to resort to one of his other alternatives if the Feyenoord star’s fitness wanes.
Jasper Cillessen has a solid reputation, but he struggled to find success at Barcelona or Valencia, and he is now playing for his old club, NEC, in the Eredivisie.
The 2014 World Cup exploits of Tim Krul undoubtedly help his chances, while each of the other options has a unique tale to tell.
Justin Bijlow, Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul, Mark Flekken, Remko Pasveer, Andries Noppert
Defenders
Denzel Dumfries, Devyne Rensch, Jeremie Frimpong, Matthijs de Ligt, Jurrien Timber, Jordan Teze, Lutsharel Geertruida, Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake, Daley Blind, Pascal Struijk, Bruno Martins Indi, Tyrell Malacia, Owen Wijndal
Midfielders
The days of Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart are long gone, but that does not mean the Netherlands lack great midfielders.
Despite his troubles at Barcelona, which seem to have less to do with his talent and more to do with the club’s financial position, Frenkie de Jong is still among the greatest when he is on.
One of the most intriguing young midfielders in the league, Ryan Gravenberch is only beginning to settle in at Bayern Munich.
Teun Koopmeiners and Marten de Roon of Atalanta are not the most outstanding athletes, but they are aware of what is needed at the highest level thanks to their success in Serie A.
Then there are the talented Eredivisie players like Joey Veerman, Kenneth Taylor, and Xavi Simons who will all be wishing they could travel to Qatar in November.
However, given that he continues to spend most of his time warming the bench at Old Trafford and that Roma midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is unlikely to travel to Qatar due to a leg fracture, Donny van de Beek’s situation at Man Utd is still a concern.
Frenkie de Jong, Kenneth Taylor, Teun Koopmeiners, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Davy Klaassen, Joey Veerman, Jordy Clasie, Donny van de Beek, Xavi Simons, Guus Til, Jerdy Schouten, Noa Lang, Quinten Timber
Attackers
Memphis Depay is still an unquestionable starter for Van Gaal even though Robert Lewandowski’s arrival at Barcelona may force him to accept a supporting role.
Steven Bergwijn, who has rejuvenated his career at Ajax following a disappointing stint at Tottenham, would probably be his front-row teammate.
Although they may not be the most skilled alternatives, strikers like Vincent Janssen, Luuk de Jong, and Wout Weghorst each have something unique to offer; therefore, at least one of them will probably be selected.
Donyell Malen and Arnaut Danjuma, for example, have performed well for the Netherlands in recent years, but they have struggled with their fitness and are not guaranteed a position.
There is a remote possibility that Brian Brobbey and Javairo Dilroson will be selected, although they could be unexpected additions.
Memphis Depay, Steven Bergwijn, Cody Gakpo, Luuk de Jong, Donyell Malen, Vincent Janssen, Wout Weghorst, Brian Brobbey, Arnaut Danjuma, Javairo Dilroson
Player to watch
Both the Netherlands national team and Premier League club Liverpool use Virgil Van Dijk as their center defender. Van Dijk, regarded as one of the top defenders in the world, is renowned for his power, determination, and skill in the air.
He is the only defender to have won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award and has placed second in both the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Men’s Player competitions.
He is a skilled set-piece taker who has good pace, solid technique, and an eye for goals. He was “comfortable on the ball,” according to former Celtic teammate Kris Commons, who also noted that Van Dijk had “good technique and a wonderful right foot.
He was good on set pieces; some of the free kicks he scored for Celtic are absolute wonders. He could read the game well.
