Coach : Marco van Basten
Arguably the best striker of the last 20 years, Van Basten emerged from the relative obscurity of coaching Ajax reserves to become national coach. Has shown himself bold, positive and tactically sound.
Key Players:
Chelsea's Arjen Robben needs to shed indifferent club form if Holland are going to survive the group of death. Edwin van ser Sar is arguably one of the three best goalkeepers in the world and his club-mate Van Nistelrooy will be relied upon to provide the killer touch up front.
Form Guide
Finished five points clear of the Czech Republic in a very tough qualifying group which also included Romania so should go to the finals full of confidence.
Form Versus Countries In Group
Beat both Argentina and Yugoslavia in the 1998 World Cup in France. Lost to Argentina in the 1978 World Cup final, having hammered them 4-0 in the previous with the mercurial Johan Cruyff in their side.
Style Of Play
Van Basten has brought in plenty of young players but the old Dutch creed of creative football still rules supreme.
Group Verdict:
Unbeaten in qualifying so should be quietly confident of topping the group - but they have three other good teams to compete with. |
