Holland

[Jesse1509]

It's a shame Chiellini kicked Van Persie out of the game. We lacked creativity with Huntelaar up front. Elia was the only one who caused some trouble for the Italians. Kuyt was nowhere, Van der Vaart was playing weak too. It's strange to see that a team like ours can change so much in a year: last year our defense was nuts, and now we haven't conceded for games. With Van Persie back, I can see Holland reaching the semi finals next year.

[La Pulga]

hey guys

i wanted to know what you guys think about the dutch national team? how do you think holland will do in South Africa?

[AnfieldEd]

Well they have Denmark, Japan and Cameroon, which to me are not easy matches.

Denmark and Japan will be tough teams to beat, whilst who knows about Cameroon in Africa.

I actually, when the draw was made, tipped them to be the big high profile nation from pot 1 to go out from the group stage, though I have since changed my mind, but it would not surprised me to see Holland either go out in the group stages or reach the semis, as their players on their day can turn it on, but more often than not seem to lack the mental fortitude to last the distance.

Van Der Sar is an experienced GK, but the defence looks very dodgy and will probably be their undoing. Van Bommel and De Jong will offer solidity and toughness in the middle, with Robben, Afellay, Sneijder, Van Der Vaart and Babel their main attacking and creative midfielders. Van Persie should be fresh and I'd imagine Huntelaar will join him in attack with Kuyt and Elia backing them up.

Their front six can cause any nation problems, but at the same time teams like Denmark and Japan always have a chance against them.

I'm sticking to my original thoughts when the draw was made and backing Denmark and Japan to go through. That is just my gut instinct opinion though, but it would not surprise me in the least to see them in the quarters or semis.

[VivaBarca]

If things go to script then Holland will play Brazil in the quarters. That is where they will be eliminated.

[Jesse1509]

Well they have Denmark, Japan and Cameroon, which to me are not easy matches.

Denmark and Japan will be tough teams to beat, whilst who knows about Cameroon in Africa.

I actually, when the draw was made, tipped them to be the big high profile nation from pot 1 to go out from the group stage, though I have since changed my mind, but it would not surprised me to see Holland either go out in the group stages or reach the semis, as their players on their day can turn it on, but more often than not seem to lack the mental fortitude to last the distance.

Van Der Sar is an experienced GK, but the defence looks very dodgy and will probably be their undoing. Van Bommel and De Jong will offer solidity and toughness in the middle, with Robben, Afellay, Sneijder, Van Der Vaart and Babel their main attacking and creative midfielders. Van Persie should be fresh and I'd imagine Huntelaar will join him in attack with Kuyt and Elia backing them up.

Their front six can cause any nation problems, but at the same time teams like Denmark and Japan always have a chance against them.

I'm sticking to my original thoughts when the draw was made and backing Denmark and Japan to go through. That is just my gut instinct opinion though, but it would not surprise me in the least to see them in the quarters or semis.

Van der Sar has retired from the national team. Stekelenburg is the new no.1.

Our team will most likely look like this:

------------------Stekelenburg-----------------------
------------Heitinga--------Mathijsen-----------------
---Van der Wiel-----------------------Van Bronckhorst
----------------Van Bommel-----De Jong--------------
--------------------------Sneijder--------------------
------Kuyt-----------------------------Robben-------
-----------------Van Persie--------------------------

I hope Van Marwijk doesn't play Kuyt, though. Robben, Elia and Babel are better wingers, and Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy (if he's fully fit) and Huntelaar are better strikers.

[Scott]

many of our players do it good right now, let's hope they also are in SA.

[VivaBarca]

If Holland had a good defence I would back them.

[Hamzah]

can you fit vdv and wesley in the same team?

[Scott]

Well everyone in Holland want it, and VDV and Wesley say that they can play with each other. But the problem is, which player should be replaced? De Jong or Van Bommel? And i do not think Van Marwijk is going to change much, he prefers to play with the same players.

[VivaBarca]

I'd get rid of Kuyt, Van der Vaart and Sneijder are miles better.

[Jesse1509]

I'd get rid of Kuyt, Van der Vaart and Sneijder are miles better.

Yeah, me too. Kuyt's not skilled enough to be a winger: I rate Robben,Elia and Babel higher as wingers, and he's not as good at finishing as Huntelaar, Van Persie and Van Nistelrooy. Also, I'm not sure if I'd play Van Bommel. Van der Vaart is more skilled, of course, but Van Bommel, on the other hand, adds stability to our midfield. So I guess it's tough to decide.

[Hamzah]

i would have van bommel but ditch the other guy for vdv. then when you are winning bring him on for vdv

[Guardian]

man, the Dutch have a great team, but their defence is....bronckhorst? Come on, I thought he was holding a walking stick. If only Stam was 6-7 years younger....

[Jesse1509]

i would have van bommel but ditch the other guy for vdv. then when you are winning bring him on for vdv

So you wouldn't put De Jong in the starting eleven? Personally, I rate him higher than Van Bommel. De Jong is very strong in the tackle, and he hardly ever plays a wrong pass, unlike Van Bommel. I think I would play 'em both, because Van Bommel's runs into space can cause some danger.

[Jesse1509]

man, the Dutch have a great team, but their defence is....bronckhorst? Come on, I thought he was holding a walking stick. If only Stam was 6-7 years younger....

True. We lack a no nonsense defender, like Stam. Also, Van Bronckhorst gets beaten by every pacy winger these days, and Braafheid's not that much better, if any better, considering he can't attack.