World Cup Preview - Group C - The Netherlands

The Netherlands

Nickname: “Clockwork Oranje”

Coach: Former striking great Marco van Basten – he’s only forty two; if things get hairy for them, I’d toss him in.

Game Schedule:
June 11 – The Netherlands vs. Serbia (9 a.m. EST)
June 16 – The Netherlands vs. Ivory Coast (12 p.m.)
June 21 – The Netherlands vs. Argentina (3 p.m.)

Prospects: The Dutch arrive in neighboring Germany as they usually do: a tournament favorite on paper and yet memories of spectacular failures. Which Dutch team will show up – the kind that lit up the WC in the 70s with the likes of Cruyff and Neeskens or the one that knifed itself in the back most recently in Euro 2004. The signs are not terribly good. Ruud van Nistelrooy has just had a bust-up at Old Trafford and goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar recently came out with the statement that his team wouldn’t be in the tournament for the long. All they need is for Edgar Davids to be picked and the fix will be in for the Dutch. Still, the Netherlands as we all know has a wealth of international talent right through the side. This should see them through to the Quarterfinal stage, but you never know…

Big Media Story: Will the Dutch camp implode as they usually do?

Key Player: Hard to pick a leader in this bunch of pampered millionaires; perhaps PSV old boy Marc van Bommel can settle them down.

Youngster to watch: Arsenal striker Robin van Persie – one for the future.

Who Will Get the Goals: Since overlooks the Roy Makaay, the burden will fall on unsettled ManYoo striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Who Will Get the Cards: Phillip Cocu – a midfielder converted to center back; has never looked comfortable in the position and is prone to shirt tugging to compensate for lack of pace.

Funniest Name: Hard to beat the manager – Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink – a bit of royal blood in the Dutch camp.

Prediction: Second to Argentina in this group puts them on a difficult course. Out to either Sweden in the Quarters or certainly Brazil in the Semis.

~Bob