World Cup 2022

Look out for the Netherlands! They were missing from the last World Cup but are back on the big stage and could make a big impact this time around. This is one of the great footballing nations, inspired by Total Football, but they have never won the tournament.

They have some big stars to unleash - Virgil Van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay included - and they have been placed in a group that should lead to knockout football at the very least. It feels like this could be an exciting moment for Dutch football. 

Who is the Netherlands manager?

Louis van Gaal is in his third stint as boss and can set a new record for most wins as a manager - he is currently joint on 37 victories with Dick Advocaat.

This is his farewell tour at the age of 71 and despite health problems he says he feels energised by this squad. His no-nonsense attitude could give Netherlands an edge that others just don’t have. He is creating a team, and he believes they are contenders to go far.

He had already retired when the call came to lead this team again. He would love to be remembered for one of the greatest Dutch moments of all-time.

 

What tactics can we expect from them at the World Cup?

The Netherlands will line up in a 3-4-1-2 according to the manager himself, though many people look at it more as a 5-3-2 formation. We can expect them to be well organised with a quick fire attack.

The new formation has been in place since early in the year and has caused some controversy. Typically they are expected to play in a 4-3-3 in fitting with the traditions of the Dutch School of Football.

But this is a boss that is not afraid to go against the grain and he feels this set-up best utilises the strengths of his squad.

Who are the players to watch for the Netherlands?

Cody Gakpo is one to watch as a player who could earn a big transfer on the back of this World Cup. He has been in terrific form at PSV Eindhoven.

He’s pretty new to this level - having only played nine internationals - but Gakpo has a confidence and drive that can cause people to sit up and take notice.

He can play off the wing or more centrally as a forward and his goal and assist record in Eredivisie this season means he poses a huge threat to Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar as Netherlands make their mark.

Who is favourite to be top scorer for the Netherlands?

Depay (28/1 to win the Golden Boot) is the most likely source of goals despite his struggles for game-time with Barcelona. A thigh injury has hampered his season but he should be ready for the group games. 

He has 42 international goals - nine short of Robin van Persie’s record. His experience is vital to this side and he’s the only forward that can truly come under the bracket of world class.

How did the Netherlands qualify for the World Cup?

Netherlands were Group G winners in European qualification and got through automatically. It was all pretty routine in the end but they did have to recover from an opening 4-2 loss to Turkey.

The campaign saw them score 33 goals from 10 games and Memphis was their top scorer with 12. He also weighed in with six assists, underlining his importance to this team.

What are the ambitions for this Netherlands team?

They aim to push the limits of expectation and that means a semi-final spot could be on the horizon.

They will hope to avoid a match up with England in the Round of 16, but generally there is a feeling that by winning Group A that will probably be the case. The big test will come in the quarter-finals and really test this team’s mettle. A clash with Argentina or France at that stage looks plausible.

Netherlands World Cup Odds

Van Gaal was manager when Netherlands finished 3rd in 2014 and his pragmatism could yet spark another deep run at the World Cup. 

They’re odds of 14/1 to win it - you could perhaps describe them as a dark horse.

We know they are improved, we know they mean well, but only time will tell if they can match the genuine world-class quality sides at this tournament.

This is a side that have a great mix of experience and youth though, and it’ll be fun to see how they push on.

Netherlands World Cup prediction from oddschecker

Similarly to England, the Netherlands carry a very short price to win their Group and - all being well - avoid the Three Lions in the last 16. 

Louis van Gaal's side would then be favourites to go through to the quarter-finals at the expense of Wales, USA or Iran.

However, a quarter-final date with Argentina or France looks the most plausible scenario, which could prove a step too far for Oranje.