Perhaps the only weakness resides in goal,
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where the Dutch have struggled to replace legendary custodian Edwin van der Saar. Ajax shot-stopper Maarten Stekelenburg is the current incumbent, but doubts remain about his composure under pressure.
Key player: Mark van Bommel
The Dutch have a wealth of creative talent at their disposal, so it’s up to the coach’s son-in-law Mark van Bommel to do the dirty work in midfield, with the combative anchorman a tough-tackling terrier in the centre of the park.
One to watch: Eljero Elia
Goals have proved to come by for the Dutch – who recorded three 0-0 draws in post-qualification friendlies, so the tricky wing play of rising young star Eljero Elia could prove decisive in unlocking stubborn defences.
Coach: Bert van Marwijk
When Marco van Basten’s unpopular reign came to an inglorious end, the Dutch turned to Bart van Marwijk to restore order.
At 57, van Marwijk has been around for some time, but it’s Delhi Bazaar Satta King only the past decade in spells at Feyenoord and German club Borussia Dortmund that he has made a name for himself, and this is his first major tournament in charge of the Dutch national team.
Recent Previous Tournaments
1998: Semi-finals
2002: Did not qualify
2006: Second round
Soccerphile says
Perennial dark horses, the Dutch are yet to make good on all their promise and lift a World Cup trophy. Once again they go into the finals with high expectations, but the lack of an authoritative goalkeeper, a struggling front line and an inexperienced coach mean that while they should get out of a group containing Japan, Denmark and Cameroon, their fate could lay in the hands of the draw thereafter.