In the last three decades, Holland has produced world class players
like Nistelrooy, van Basten, Cruyff, Gullit, Rijkaard, Bergkamp and Davids.
This immensely talented team, with its skill and experience, is a football lover's joy.
However, the fact that its players come from all across Europe has brought problems
like internal bickering, factionalism and even racial issues. Coaches have tried to
deal with this by using the iron hand, which in turn causes heart burn within the team.
Such troubles and ego problems have affected the team's performance.
This will perhaps be the last major tournament for Marco van
Basten as Netherlands coach. His contract will end after UEFA EURO 2008. So the 43-year-old
will be determined to go out with all stars blazing. Van Basten already has a UEFA European
Championship winner's medal having been the fulcrum of the Oranje side that triumphed
in 1988. He ended that tournament with five goals including his remarkable volley in
the 2-0 final victory over the USSR.
Yet the free-flowing football of old is little evident in
the current set-up. Style has given way to substance. The 4-3-3 system synonymous
with the Netherlands since Rinus Michels' team of the 1970s has been overlooked in
favour of a more pragmatic 4-4-2, though the fresh approach has paid dividends with
the Oranje booking their place in Austria and Switzerland.
The Netherlands conceded only five times in qualifying, a
steely defence that provides the foundations for a more elaborate midfield. A steely
defence is the key. Van Basten discussed with key players and 4-2-3-1 emerged as
another alternative, although one thing is certain: the presence of a four-man
rearguard in front of goalkeeper/captain Edwin van der Sar. Joris Mathijsen is
a sure thing, with André Ooijer, Khalid Boulahrouz, Mario Melchiot, Wilfred Bouma,Tim de Cler
and Giovanni van Bronckhorst vying for the other positions.
But there is no lack of creative talent in the Holland camp.
In Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie, Van Basten boasts three
of the most creative and attacking midfield talents in Europe, ably supported by the
wise old head of Clarence Seedorf.
Not to be overlooked is Ruud van Nistelrooy. The vastly
experienced man leading the line, has sets his sights on Patrick Kluivert's Dutch
record of 40 international goals. Should he misfire, Danny Koevermans, Klaas Jan Huntelaar,
Dirk Kuyt and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink are waiting in the wings. One thing is certain.
Matches involving the Netherlands are going to be most interesting.
Holland Euro Squad
This is the official Euro 2008 Squad of Holland:
(the deadline for nominating the Euro squad was May 28)
Goalkeepers
Edwin van der Sar
Maarten Stekelenburg
Henk Timmer
Defenders
Wilfred Bouma
Tim de Cler
Johnny Heitinga
Joris Mathijsen
Mario Melchiot
Andre Ooijer
Khalid Bouhlarouz
Midfielders
Ibrahim Afellay
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Orlando Engelaar
Nigel de Jong
Wesley Sneijder
Rafael van der Vaart
Demy de Zeeuw
Strikers
Klaas Jan Huntelaar
Dirk Kuyt
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Robin van Persie
Arjen Robben
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink
Clarence Seedorf was nominated by Van Basten, but rejected to play in the Dutch team.
User opinions and Euro 2008 betting prediction on Holland:
Holland, i think they play football how it should be played and if they get out of that group they deserve it.
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hi guys, my prediction for Euro 2008 is Holland. my reasons for this are as follows after some thought i sided with Holland because of their strength in every position. although i was dissapointed by the loss of babel (i am a liverpool fan and wanted him to have a good tournament and show his class) i still believe they are strong contenders, van der vaart had a outstanding season in germany, van nistleroy has a lot to prove at this level although huntalaar may be a surprise package, and sneijder can be different class on his day, if the team can stay united then i cant see anything but a dutch win.
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my name is Jovan Todorovski and I am from Macedonia. My prediction for champion of
Euro2008 is Netherlands. Why? After many missed years and championships with
some mediocre squads and where there just were couple of great players in different
positions, finally it looks like they manage to create compact, solid and pretty much
young team but with just enough experienced players which will lead the squad. Reason
plus is that they have great coach with whom they play successfully their attacking game.
It will be very interesting tournament but it is a right time for Dutch to celebrate.
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