The Woods World Cup Countdown 9th : Netherlands Beaten finalists last year in the most ill-tempered final in World Cup history, The Netherlands, under new Manchester United manager, have a squad that is in its prime years and much is expected of this team. Beaten finalists three times, the Dutch are probably the strongest national team never to win a World Cup. In a very strong group, I expect the Dutch to qualify second, behind Spain, which will unfortunately mean an almost guaranteed match-up with hosts Brazil. The Dutch do have quality throughout the team, with players of the calibre of Sneijder, de Jong, and Robben fleshing out a menacing midfield and Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar providing the sting in attack. The only area of concern for the Oranje is their very inexperienced defense. I expect that this defence will hold up against Chile and Australia but once it is tested by the might of Brazil in the Round of 16, it will be found lacking. Player to watch: Arjen Robben. Without question, one of the finest wide-men in the modern game, Robben is a proven winner with a silky touch and devastating finish. His late goal in the 2013 Champions League final gave Bayern its first Champions League title in 12 years and Robben was huge part of that campaign.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:34:14 +0000
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