Netherlands / Dave Farrar / 14 May 2010 / 2 Comments Free £25 Bet

There's not much more to say about the Netherlands' talent that hasn't already been said and there's not much more to say about their inability to deliver when it most matters. As ever this team is highly skilled and gifted but the end result should be a familiar one.

"What else is there to say? Back them to win the tournament outright @ [14.0], let them dazzle, and then get out before they do."

By rights, the Dutch should be easy to describe as overpriced at [14.0] to win the World Cup. But how many times have we been here? How many times do Holland have an outstanding looking team which either crashes out, or starts brilliantly before fading? And how many times have we all been kidded into throwing away our money on them?
The Dutch were staggering in the European Championship two years ago.

They tore everyone apart with real brio before finding Russia too good, and they give the impression of a nation of players which never truly believe that they can win the big one. To think of the number of great teams that the Oranje have produced, and yet to remind yourself that they only won ONE major tournament.....it's enough to make you weep.

This time, surprise surprise, they have what looks like a tremendous side and they certainly are in a comfortable looking group. This Dutch team isn't just about flair, but about defensive solidity as well, and any side that conceded just two goals in qualifying is worthy of proper respect.

Admittedly, they didn't have much to beat, but they simply cruised through, winning eight games out of eight, and barely breaking sweat. Bert Van Maarwijk is the kind of man who looks like he can get the best of his squad, he's non confrontational but firm, and his appointment may not have been the sexiest, but could prove to be one of the most astute that the KNVB have ever made.

Once you've established that the Dutch can defend, you simply salivate at what they have in forward areas. The inspirations of Inter and Bayern, the man that Arsenal missed so much, and, erm, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Dirk Kuyt. And therein lies Holland's problem. Can they win the tournament without a recognised, top class, out and out striker? I think they'll be great to watch, but I'm not sure that they can.

Coach:

Bert Van Marwijk

Van Maarwijk's biggest contribution to the national side is a genealogical one. Having refused to play under Marco Van Basten, his son in law Mark Van Bommel has returned to the Oranje, and is as important to them as he has been for Bayern Munich. In truth, the former Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund coach hasn't changed a great deal about the way that the Dutch operate, but that's a good thing in that the side has a settled look. Van Marwijk insists that they have an iron will to go with their style, and while I wish that he was right, I just can't bring myself to believe it.

Key Players

Arjen Robben

When you watch Arjen Robben play for Bayern, you constantly have to remind yourself of how young he is. Go on, play the game. Have a guess at his age, and I'll tell you the answer in a moment. Robben seems so wise, so adept at doing the right thing, and so wizened to go with it, that he seems a lot older than his 26 years. His youth explains his pace and his desire: he is one of those rare players (particularly given his nationality) who takes control of every situation, responsibility upon himself, and drives the team on. If he stays injury free and fresh, then the Dutch have a chance.

Wesley Sneijder

Rafael Van der Vaart has flourished to a limited extent despite staying at Real Madrid, and Sneijder has blossomed despite leaving. We can safely say that they both made the right decision and Sneijder has become a key part of Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. Interestingly, he may not get into the Dutch starting eleven, but remember that Van Basten was left out of the opening game in 1988, and he ended up having a fair impact on the tournament. Somehow, Sneijder will end up being key if Holland progress.

Joris Mathijsen

He played more minutes in qualifying than anyone else, and is the rock on which this defence stands. I'm still not sure about him, and Holland's excellent goals against record had more to do with the quality of opposition, and the excellence of Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong in shielding the defence, than the likes of Mathijsen and his colleague Andre Ooijer. That said, the defence will be tested, and Mathijsen has to stay solid.

Recommended Bet:

What else is there to say? Back them to win the tournament outright
@ [14.0], let them dazzle, and then get out before they do.

Tags: Arjen Robben, Dutch football team, Dutch footballers, Netherlands, Netherlands squad, Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, World Cup bets