pass first wrote:This is the worst Dutch squad in over 25 years. For the first time in my lifetime they have no realistic chance to win it all (after qualifying).
They might still reach the second round but it wouldn´t shock me if they don´t. I expect their matches to be rather dull as they are going to play relatively defensively. I wonder how this is going to suit Van Persie who they failed to set up for good chances in 2010 with a more attacking line up.
I would give more for their chances if they´d play a better goalkeeper (either Vorm or Krul, who are not great but better than Cillesen imo) and if Van Gaal hadn´t inexplicably left their potentially best defender Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) out of the squad.
That being said I still think it´s crazy that they´re not seeded as head of the group and drew Spain.
I know Spain may not be as good as in 2010 but I think the Netherlands drop off since then is probably worse. Therefore Spain is still favorite imo but I could see them draw in the first game, a lazy 0-0 lol. Spain probably respect the Netherlands´ team more than they deserve.
Yep, I followed the Oranje since EURO 2000 and this roster is by far the weakest I have ever seen play in a major tournament. The defense was never the dutch's strength but this year's group is really awful. No experience, no major talent, the best wing backs we have are sidelined (Van der wiel, Jetro Williems) and our best defender is Vlaar who plays for a bottom feeder in the premier league. The one saving grace here is that most of them are young and we do have a good coach in Van Gaal (also managing my favorite club).
Van Persie might actually have a good tournament but It really depends on whose feeding him up top. Robben is a me-first player and when he's at his best, he's really hard to stop, but we need him and Robin to sync together if we're going to have any run. I don't suspect Sneijder to be the same player he was four years ago and Strootman being out really hurts us.
No expectations beyond the group stage. We're doomed to face Brazil in the round of 16 and there is very little chance we're beating the favorites, but I didn't think we'd beat them in 2010 either so you never know.
