Netherlands

A bout of Dutch courage is needed for the Netherlands to finally achieve what their pedigree demands, success in the World Cup. Beaten in the final in 1974 and 1978, by West Germany and Argentina respectively, a 4th place finish at France 98 since, although they did earn European glory in 1988. Still, it is about time the Flying Dutchman ruled the World.

The amass of orange is a delight for anybody to see, as stadium after stadium is filled with a nation united in attire. An clearly this unified support is aiding the national side come closer together, having on previous visits to national tournaments, been hampered by excessively large egos. But then again, if I was Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Dennis Bergkamp or Marc Overmars, I would struggle to keep my feet on the ground.

As most Scots will already know, the Dutch sailed through qualifying, winning all eight of their games, making them the first European side to book their place in the finals. The Netherlands scored 17 goals and only conceded twice, exemplifying their natural attacking flair.

The manager Bert Van Marwijk is likely to adopt an almost 4-2-4 formation, with Wesley Sneijder playing in the hole just behind the main striker. Sneijder has had an unbelievable season for Inter Milan, helping the Italian giants claimed the Champions League for the first time. His skill and technique make him the ultimate playmaker, making him a must watch in South Africa.

However, despite Sneijder being influential, he is by no means the only attacking option for Van Marwijk. The right and left wings will be marshalled by an industrious Dirk Kuyt and, when not injured, the best winger in the World Arjen Robben. If Sneijder helped Inter win, Robben single-handedly got Bayern Munich to the final. His pace and trickery is matched by his crossing ability, and his finishing isn’t bad either. He does have a receding hairline though.

If those names don’t already wet your appetite, a returning to full fitness Robin Van Persie will make you drool enough with his performances in order to use any excess salvia to gel is hair even more. Having got injured in a friendly against Italy back in November, it was worried the Arsenal striker would not make South Africa, but his return at the end of the season proved successful, with the frontman looking sprightly.

In contrast to the attacking flair of the other players Nigel de Jong will be left to do all the dog work. His manager has told him to calm down on the tackling, after the Manchester City midfielder broke the leg of USA’s Stuart Holden in a friendly.
His partner in crime is the recalled Mark Van Bommel. After falling out with previous manager Marco Van Basten he left the national side, but the new manager is his father-in-law, so the relationship with the manager is better, a vital add to the Dutch line-up.

After the retirement of their most capped player ever, Edwin van der Sar, the choice of who goes in between the sticks has been a tricky one. Maarten Stekelenburg appears to be the number one choice, but critics are sceptical if the Ajax keeper is capable to perform on the international stage, a common worry amongst some of the most fancied nations.

The Netherlands have a relatively easy group, with Group E containing Cameroon, Denmark and Japan. Topping that group will see them get an easy second round match against Paraguay or Slovakia, provided Italy finish first in Group F. So the Netherlands first real test may be at the quarterfinal stage, where they may face Brazil, Spain or Portugal. This game will show us how serious a Dutch challenge will be.

Holland are a must watch team and are welcome at any finals, even if just to see the fans turn a stadium into a giant tangerine. They are renowned for skilful, attacking football and their start to the Euro 2008 campaign was utterly memorising, beating France (4-1) and Italy (3-0). If the players fulfil their potential, they will be unstoppable. Could this be their year? I think it will be.