What is the expectation back home like? What does the nation/you think is a realistic achievement?
The Dutch expect a very difficult Euro 2012. Of course, we are optimistic as ever as the whole country turns Orange. We have enough big names, especially in midfield and attack. But will it be enough in a group with Denmark, Germany and Portugal? Some players are ageing and the defense is a main concern. After defeats against Bayern Munich and Bulgaria over the last few days, many fans are beginning to doubt.
How popular is the manager with the fans/the players?
There is no doubt about the position of Bert van Marwijk. He is very popular with both players and fans. Moreover, he built up a lot of credit during the World Cup. But after the defeat against Bulgaria, Van Marwijk was quite annoyed after a number of probing questions from Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit. We were the ones who saw it all wrong and there is no reason to worry.
Soon Van Marwijk will also have to make a number of important decisions. Famous players will have to settle for a place on the bench. The big question is: does he relies too much on the same names and the same tactics as two years ago?
What have been the big talking points regarding player selection and tactics over the past year or so?
Well in the Netherlands, many people still believe that we played the last World Cup with 10 players because Robin van Persie was hopelessly out of shape. Van Marwijk obviously can't avoid him after the season he's had but he needs some big performances to help us forget what happened two years ago.
The formation is the same as it has been for years: 4-2-3-1 with Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong as defensive midfield players. But this system may not necessarily suit Robin van Persie. Another major talking is the fact that many players have played little because of injury (Afellay) or falling ut of favour with their manager at club level (Nigel de Jong, Dirk Kuyt)
The 23 names are the most logical with some surprises included like youngsters Jetro Willems (PSV) and Heerenveen's Luciano Narsingh.
Who (which player) could you least afford to lose to injury/suspension?
Anyone in defence. If something happens to central defenders Johnny Heitinga, or Joris Mathijssen, whose fitness is very doubtful right now, the Dutch have a big problem. The left-back position is by far the 'weakest link'. Sporting Lisbon midfielder Stijn Schaars will most likely play there. The alternatives, both from PSV, are the very inexperienced Jetro Willems (just 18) or Wilfred Bouma (33), who used to play as a centre-back.
Maarten Stekelenburg, first choice goalkeeper, is not 100% fit and had only trained to date. But in Britain everyone is familiar with the qualities of Michel Vorm (Swansea) and Tim Krul (Newcastle).
What are the team's great strengths and weaknesses?
You might have heard about the Huntelaar or Van Persie discussion. Does Van Marwijk dare to line-up both the topscorer of Bundesliga and the Premier League? And what about Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Kuyt and Robben? At least two of these 'Big Six' will not appear in the starting line-up.
Scoring goals should not be a problem. The biggest concerns are no doubt in the defence. Every opponent who dares to put pressure on the Dutch wing-back positions will easily find their way to the goal.
The players on the bench could be a great strength. But again this counts only for midfield players and strikers. Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay is very eager to show his qualities after he tore his ligament and both Luciano Nartsingh and Luuk de Jong can easily force a goal if brought on as a substitute.
6) Tournament Bet.
This Dutch team is in between two generations. And they're in the toughest group of the lot with Denmark, Germany and Portugal. Add in a system which doesn't fit Robin Van Persie and I think Holland will fail to qualify out of Group B.