In less than three weeks, the 32-nation tournament is all set and ready to hit the pitch. One European
side to watch out for is the Netherlands. After missing the 2018 edition of the tournament, the Oranje
finished on top of the table during the World Cup 2022 group games, paving the way for their return in
the competition. Here’s all you need to know about the Netherlands national team.
Team Preview
The World Cup 2022 Group A is composed of the Netherlands, hosts Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador. The
Dutch side qualified for the tournament as Group G winners in the European Qualifiers. They recovered
from a loss to Turkey in the opening game before going unbeaten for the rest of the campaign, with 23
points from winning 7 of 10 games. Louis van Gaal’s side are unbeaten in 15 international matches.
Senegal vs. Netherlands: November 22
Netherlands vs Ecuador: November 26
Netherlands vs Qatar: November 29
Potential Squad
Goalkeepers: Andries Noppert (Heerenveen), Jasper Cillessen (NEC), Mark Flekken (Freiburg), Remko
Pasveer (Ajax), Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord)
Defenders: Devyne Rensch (Ajax), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Sven Botman
(Newcastle), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Stefan de Vrij (Inter), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Tyrell
Malacia (Manchester United), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jurrien Timber (Ajax), Mitchel Bakker (Bayer
Leverkusen), Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), Micky van de Ven (Wolfsburg), Pascal Struijk (Leeds)
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Teun
Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax), Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Jordy Clasie (AZ), Ryan
Gravenberch (Bayern Munich), Guus Til (PSV), Xavi Simons (PSV)
Forwards: Luuk de Jong (PSV), Arnaut Danjuma (Villarreal), Noa Lang (Club Brugge), Donyell Malen
(Borussia Dortmund), Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Steven Bergwijn (Tottenham), Memphis Depay (Barcelona),
Wout Weghorst (Besiktas), Cody Gakpo (PSV), Vincent Janssen (Royal Antwerp)
Players to watch
Virgil van Dijk – Considered as one of the best center-back in the world, the Dutch team captain will try
to show-off his prowess in the position for this year’s tournament to make up for his absence during
Netherland’s Euro 2020 campaign. However, Van Dijk is struggling to impress this season, scoring only 1
goal in 13 appearances for his Premier League side.
Memphis Depay – With 12 goals and six assists in the qualifying campaign, the Barcelona defender is an
important figure in van Gaal’s side. Depay had a fruitful first season with the Catalan giants, scoring 12
goals in 20 starts. This season, Depay only appeared in 2 occasions and scored only 1 goal as he suffered
from a hamstring injury during an Nations League game with Poland.
Frankie de Jong – Depay’s Barcelona teammate Frankie de Jong is also a key member to the Dutch
squad. Despite being scoreless during the qualifying campaign and slow start this season, scoring only 2
of 12 appearances for Barca this season, De Jong’s quality in the midfield is needed as an important
driving force for the team.
World Cup Stats
Matches played: 50
Win: 27
Draw: 12
Loss: 11
Goals Scored: 86
Previous World Cup appearances: 1934, 1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2014
Current FIFA ranking: 8
Best finish: Runners-up (1974, 1978, and 2010)
Prediction
The Dutch team will try to revive their former glory in this edition of the tournament following the 2016
European Championship and 2018 World Cup disaster. Notably, only Senegal has the best qualifying
campaign finish aside from them. Their best finish in the competition could be in the knockout rounds.
But, if they can sustain a strong start, they can make a repeat of their runners-up finish in 2010.
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