Having failed to qualify for the previous Fifa World Cup, the Netherlands have been on the comeback trail under the guidance of a familiar face in Louis van Gaal. The man nicknamed the “Iron Tulip”, who is into his third stint as manager, led the Flying...
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and striker Memphis Depay celebrate their victory in the Uefa Nations League match against Wales at Feyenoord stadium in Rotterdam on June 14 2022.Having failed to qualify for the previous Fifa World Cup, the Netherlands have been on the comeback trail under the guidance of a familiar face in Louis van Gaal.
After finishing as runners-up in South Africa in 2010, Dutch football spent nigh on a decade at a crossroads. Since Bert van Marwijk left the team in 2012 after four years at the helm, the Dutch have been through eight managers in 10 years. The players looked lost in playing identity and bereft of confidence.
Of the Dutch DNA, talisman and skipper Van Dijk has said: “We always want to have the ball, we all want to play football, attack and score. But football is also knowing how to defend.” Upfront, the Dutch are renowned for their pace, ability to get behind defences and unlock the last line. Their success in Qatar will hinge on whether they can find the right blend between attack and defence. Barcelona’s Depay, who has been playing in La Liga since 2021, has scored an impressive 21 goals in his past 22 international matches.