Holland – World Cup Preview

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There’s a sneaking expectation surrounding the Netherlands team this year. After sailing through their qualification group Holland look set to have a real chance of bagging the trophy.

Often seen as underachievers the Dutch side have a quality manager on board in Bert Van Marwijk who may just be able to lend to his team that focused determination that seems to have separated them from the rest of the pack in the past.

Van Marwijk succeeded Marco Van Basten back in 2008 and he appears have his priorities in order, he’s aware the national side is a good one boasting a dangerous attacking force from midfield as well as up front. Keeping the egos of the likes of Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Van Bommel under control should be paramount as the team has had problems with high profile squabbles before.

Robin van Persie in particular is making somewhat of a glorious comeback after missing a large part of the season for Arsenal through injury. Van Persie looks to be getting back into his goal scoring stride just when his country need it, scoring two goals against Mexico in his first international game back.

The manager too has form despite having no first-hand experience of the World Cup as a coach or player, he guided Feyenoord to UEFA Cup success in 2002 and won the Dutch Cup in 2008. Holland were the first team to gain a place in South Africa under him last year and they did so with a 100% record – a feat matched only by Spain.

Unavailable this year is Manchester Utd’s Edwin van der Sar who has retired from international football after a praiseworthy tenure as captain and goalkeeper of the national team. He’s likely to be succeeded in goal by Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax.