2010 FIFA World Cup: Why the Netherlands Have a Golden Chance to Win

Statistics from Opta state the following facts:

"Robin van Persie has scored 4 goals in 220 minutes for Holland in his warm-up games for the WC, that's 1 every 55 minutes. Golden Boot?"

"The number of goals scored by the Netherlands in their four matches in 2010, a rate of 3.5 goals per game. Ready."

"14 of the last 16 goals scored by the Netherlands in the World Cup have come in open play. Oranje."

Thus, there's no second opinion about what the Dutch should look to do this time in the World Cup 2010, i.e., play to their strength.

A glance at the Dutch team for the World Cup tells the story.

With a very strong team on paper, the Dutch are still not very confident in defence. To be honest, that is how the Dutch have always been ever since their meteoric rise.

With a team boasting of world class finishers, the Netherlands Coach Van Marwijk really need not bring about any major changes in the team's line up which looks as impressive and aggressive as ever.

My Bet for the starting Eleven would be: (4-2-3-1)

Goal Keeper:-  Marten Stekelenberg
Sub:- Sander Boschker.

Defenders :- Geovanni Bronckhorst (C), Heitinga, Mathijesen, Boularhouz.
Sub:- Braahfied, Weil.

Holding Mid-fielders :- Nigel De Jong, Andre Ooijer
Sub:- Van Bommel

Midfielders :- Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael Van der Vaart.
Sub:- Afellay, Elia,Schaars, Zeeuw

Forwards :- Van Persie
Sub:- Huntelaar, Kuyt, Babel.

Although, Van Marwijk has always emphasised that he does not believe in any strict formations of play and with a plethora of versatile players in the team some switching of options may easily come along here and there.

However, the only thing that the Netherlands would not be wanting at this stage is any more injury crisis. After their last warm-up match against Costa Rica (which they won 6-1), Arjen Robben, arguably the most in-form Dutch player at the moment along with Van Persie, had to limp off the pitch.

Although it is considered to be only another Hamstring injury as of now, the Oranje-men could really do no worse than losing such a key player under such unfortunate circumstances. These incidents have a potent chance to impose serious pressure on the coach in terms of team selection and more importantly on the chances of winning crunch matches when the stakes are high.

It is also clear from the Dutch Line up that theonly problem that they really face even with a fit squad is just the over-reliance on Van Bronckhorst and a defence which could be ripped open by outright pace, so therefore they would concede goals almost certainly but they would have to outscore that with the deadly finishers they have upfront.

Now, coming to question of the Netherlands' schedule in World Cup 2010 and how far the dutch could proceed with a fully fit squad:

June 14 '10: Netherlands take on Denmark. The only two European nations in the Group. Prediction: 2:1 for the Netherlands.

June 19, '10: Netherlands take on Japan. Should be an easy one for the Dutch.
Prediction: 3-1 for the Netherlands.

June 24 '10: Netherlands take on Cameroon in their Final Group match and already having qualified may just play easy.
Prediction 1:1 draw.

Round 16

June 28, '10: Netherlands should take on Paraguay (1E (NED) vs. 2F (Paraguay)). Being the more attacking of the two and also on the basis of sheer pace, the Netherlands should be through. Prediction:- 3:1 to Netherlands.

Quarter-finals

July 2, '10: If all other things go without any major upsets, I strongly believe with a fit team, this match could well be the match of the tournament with Netherlands taking on Brazil.

Although the South Americans are always considered favorites at this stage of the tournament, with a team that really is not as strong as it is usually considered Brazil could well be put under a lot of pressure in this match up with every possibility that a repeat of the 1998 Netherlands Vs Argentina type quarter-finals on the cards.

Would not be surprised if the toothless Brazilian outfit gets beaten 2:1 by the Dutch, however, it would also be ugly and the real contest should be between the Dutch Forwards and the Brazilian Defence.
Prediction : 2:1 or 3-2 to the Netherlands (a sweet revenge of the 1998 semis).

Semi-final

July 6, '10: Netherlands vs. (Mexico /Nigeria ). I would like to believe it could be Netherlands vs. Mexico judging by their current form. Should be a good contest with either team having to fight it out. If the Netherlands manage to go as far, they should be clear-cut favorites to win this encounter.
Prediction: 3:1

The next match on July 11 would be the finals in these circumstances, where I expect either of Argentina, Spain or Germany to be in front of the Dutch. Unfortunately, I can't see them get past any of them.
Prediction: 2-0 defeat to the Dutch.

Although a maiden World Cup victory for the Dutch would be very fitting end to their campaign.

Thus, it is evident that really Netherlands need to pull off one really tough match against Brazil to get to the Finals, although keeping in mind that none of the rest are going to be walk-overs.

With Robben fit in time for the World Cup (by June 14),the rest of the team in the sort of form they are in and of course with a little Luck going their way (just like it did for Spain in the last Euro) it could well be a World Cup to remember for the "Men in Orange."