WORLD CUP 2006
Holland
Introduction
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In the past, Holland have been rated among the favourites to win the World Cup, at least by themselves. And they have often gone a long way – finalists in 1974 and 1978, quarter-finalists in 1994 and fourth in 1998.
But this time it is far more difficult to predict where the Dutch stand in international football. Despite lying third in the FIFA rankings, Holland are definitely not one of the big guns. A tough group, an inexperienced squad and a coach who makes unpredictable decisions will give bookmakers a hard job assessing Holland’s real strength.
At least the coach, Marco Van Basten, is aware of the situation, saying: “We are less experienced than the so-called big countries – these teams are ahead of us. We have a fair chance of making a good account of ourselves only if everything
goes according to plan.”
The truth is that Van Basten is building a new team that should peak at Euro 2008 and does not see the World Cup as a reason to change this strategy. He showed this in the most recent friendly against Ecuador in March, when seven of the 13 players used had fewer than 10 caps.
That is not to say Van Basten is not gearing up for the Germany finals. The coach is aiming to use the preparation period after the club season to gel his players into a strong team, that, despite its relative rawness, can play the traditional Dutch
4-3-3 style by dominating matches with attacking and attractive football. He will use the positive atmosphere among the players to try to deliver a team that could be the tournament’s dark horse.
But the odds are not in Van Basten’s favour. Trying to survive the so-called Group of Death, with Argentina, Serbia & Montenegro and Africa’s best team, Ivory Coast, is hardly an easy start.
However, if the Oranje do reach the next round, their chances increase because potential opponents Mexico or Portugal do seem beatable.
The coach’s biggest worry will be the physical condition of his team. Some of his squad have played an entire season for the first time, which is why he was not particularly pleased with the FA’s introduction of end-of-season play-offs for the domestic League.
Much will depend on the fitness of players such as Edwin Van der Sar, Phillip Cocu, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Arjen Robben. If one of these key men is missing or out of form, Holland hardly have decent alternatives.
The fans, who have embraced the national team again after Van Basten took over, have other worries. More than 180,000 supporters have applied to attend Holland’s games, but only 18,000 will cross the border with tickets.
With the tournament approaching, the feeling of optimism will grow. But guessing Holland’s chances correctly remains a tough
job, even for the country’s best pundits.
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