World Cup Preview: Netherlands
The Netherlands enter the tournament looking to finally banish their unwanted tag as football’s ultimate bridesmaids, having famously lost three World Cup finals without ever lifting the trophy. Under the experienced stewardship of Ronald Koeman, the Oranje are determined to build heavily on their impressive semi-final run at Euro 2024. Backed by a fiercely loyal, orange-clad fanbase, expectation is mounting that this generation can go all the way on North American soil.
Fixtures (UK time)
Japan, June 14, 9pm
Sweden, June 20, 6pm
Tunisia, June 26, 12am
How They Qualified
The Netherlands secured their route to North America automatically by navigating a highly demanding UEFA qualification group. Koeman’s men combined relentless attacking efficiency with defensive resilience to top their group standings, showcasing their tournament credentials by comfortably seeing off direct European rivals to avoid the lottery of the play-offs.
The Manager
Ronald Koeman is currently enjoying his second permanent stint in charge of the national team, having returned to the dugout after the 2022 World Cup. Koeman commands immense respect across the country and retains the full trust of the fans, who view his extensive international pedigree and calm leadership as the perfect steadying presence for a major tournament.
The Star
Former Manchester United man Memphis Depay scored eight goals in eight games in qualifying. That was double the amount of fellow countrymen Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen. That brought his total international goal count to 55 in 109 appearances and he’ll be hoping to add a few more at the World Cup. The 32-year-old is currently playing for Corinthians in Brazil.
The Familiar Face
National captain Virgil van Dijk could be playing in his final World Cup at the age of 34. His glittering career has spanned 272 appearances for Liverpool and will be revered as a legend at Anfield when he does finally hang up the boots. Reds fans will be hoping that won’t be any time soon – he became the oldest player to play every minute of a Premier League campaign last season.
Did you know?
In 1969, decades before modern footballers used social media to launch side careers, the undisputed pioneer of Dutch football, Johan Cruyff, tried his hand at showbiz by releasing a pop single. Bizarrely, while the song failed to top the charts at home, it became an unexpected, overnight sensation in Spain when he transferred to Barcelona years later.
The Prediction
Semi-Finals
The Netherlands possess a deeply talented starting eleven and should comfortably control Group F to progress as group winners. Koeman’s pragmatic tournament blueprint is perfectly tailored for knockout football, which should see them navigate the early knockout rounds smoothly before a potential semi-final roadblock against an absolute global superpower halts their charge just short of the final.
