#6-Netherlands

#6-Netherlands
Nickname-Oranje
UEFA
FIFA Ranking-#15
Group B (Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia)
Projected Results...
Loss to Spain
Win to Chile
Win to Australia
Manager-Louis Van Gaal
Qualified through first place finish in UEFA WC Qualification Group D
9th World Cup Appearance (1934,1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 2006, 2010)

Ah, the Netherlands. Always so enigmatic. In the final of the 2010 tournament and one shot away from winning it, but they crash out of the Euro in the group stage. I don't get them, but I think this is this team's last chance at winning it, and they'll get along enough to have a run at it. At the 2012 Euro, this team was in disarray and were rumored to be fighting with each other in the locker room and in training. Oranje got back on track under respected Louis Van Gaal, and dominated qualification. But that won't matter if they don't put it together here. This team has great talent up front, and their midfield is strong as well. Their defense is less impressive to me, and their goalkeeping is also a bit suspect. But the firepower they have can overcome anything, and if they play united, they can make a run at this. I think in goal Tim Krul should start, but defensively, they need to resolve their issues. Here are their three biggest threats:

Robin Van Persie-What a striker. Plays for Manchester United, but has been really strong for the Dutch as well. He has scored 41 goals in 82 appearances, for the team, which is a great strike rate. Watch out for him. He's 30 years old.

Rafael Van der Vaart-Great player maker and dead ball player. He's really strong at setting up his teammates for the Oranje and for Hamburg in the Bundesliga. He's got 109 appearances, with 25 goals at age 31.

Arjen Robben-So dangerous on the wing. Great shooter but a great playmaker as well. Over 70 appearances with 22 goals, but plays for Bayern Munich. He's won every major tournament at the club level, and at age 30, he needs to win something for the Oranje.

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They're dangerous, but we'll see if they can put it completely together. Round of 8 for sure.