FWC-Netherlands
Netherlands:-
“Oranje” hope to put the bad memories of the previous WC behind them and look to enforce themselves back onto the international scene with their attractive brand of football!
This is a pretty straight-forward analysis (follow-up thoughts not even necessary!); mainly because Coach Louis Van Gaal has already made-up his mind on the formation and tactics which he will be using throughout the WC campaign. A 5-3-2/5-2-3 variation will be the Dutch’s main tactical lay-out(s) and a platform from which they will look to redefine their world-renowned art of “total football”.
The first real issue isn’t so much the shape in which the defense will line up, rather the actual defenders who will be playing. Their most-likely defensive choices form an average age of almost 24 years, and almost all of them have no genuine experience at any major international competition. A real worry given the fact that they will be facing the likes of Spain and Chile, for starters!
Furthermore, should, as expected, coach Van Gaal deploy Daley Blind as a starting LB, a true sense of discipline is required from the young Ajax man in order for the Dutch to be able to form a solid back-bone for the midfield players. A lapse in concentration or a misjudged action (pretty plausible given the fact that he’s a natural DM) might leave a huge hole on that side of the field for the opposition to exploit.
The Netherlands’ lack of established midfielders (mainly thanks to injuries to Strootman and Van der Vaart) AND their wealth of talented wide players will cause them to focus play on either side of the pitch more often than not. Against sides with a wider range of midfield players (again, think Spain and Chile!), the Dutch might suffer to gain dominance in most areas of the pitch and struggle to retain possession.
Which is why, most probably, against said sides, coach Van Gaal will look to enforce a more defensive approach when they lose possession; choosing to soak-up the opposition’s pressure and release some blistering counter-attacks down the field.
Robben’s abundance of pace coupled with his trademark mirrored edge-of-the-box runs, with which many defenders still cannot cope (easier said than done!), are surely going to be the Netherland’s biggest asset going forward. His partner on the other side, be it Lens or (less likely) Kuyt, will be asked to do more of the same and run the channels as much as possible and offer target-man Van Persie numerous options from out wide.
Wesley Sneijder will be given a completely free role in-behind the main line of attack. It will be his top priority to make sure that he offers his attackers as many options as possible when having the ball at his feet. He will surely try to dribble his way through the middle and unleashe a deadly shot (Netherlands will be doing a lot of those!) or simply play someone through between the defensive lines. Ergo, His fitness and form will be crucial as to whether the Dutch will be able to open play and score goals whenever they get the chance.
It will be a very interesting show on offer every time the Netherlands play; but the degree to which they will be able to enforce their style of “total football” depends largely on how opposing teams adapt to the flow and tempo of the game at hand.
Main man: Robin Van Persie: Never has there been a more crucial time for Robin Van Persie to prove to the entire world (especially his doubters) just how much of an excellent player he is than at this WC. The Dutch Captain’s incredible technical skills, unbelievable eye for goal, immense quality in attack and proven positional play could be the reason why the Dutch might just go far in this competition.
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 31.54167
“Oranje” hope to put the bad memories of the previous WC behind them and look to enforce themselves back onto the international scene with their attractive brand of football!
This is a pretty straight-forward analysis (follow-up thoughts not even necessary!); mainly because Coach Louis Van Gaal has already made-up his mind on the formation and tactics which he will be using throughout the WC campaign. A 5-3-2/5-2-3 variation will be the Dutch’s main tactical lay-out(s) and a platform from which they will look to redefine their world-renowned art of “total football”.
The first real issue isn’t so much the shape in which the defense will line up, rather the actual defenders who will be playing. Their most-likely defensive choices form an average age of almost 24 years, and almost all of them have no genuine experience at any major international competition. A real worry given the fact that they will be facing the likes of Spain and Chile, for starters!
Furthermore, should, as expected, coach Van Gaal deploy Daley Blind as a starting LB, a true sense of discipline is required from the young Ajax man in order for the Dutch to be able to form a solid back-bone for the midfield players. A lapse in concentration or a misjudged action (pretty plausible given the fact that he’s a natural DM) might leave a huge hole on that side of the field for the opposition to exploit.
The Netherlands’ lack of established midfielders (mainly thanks to injuries to Strootman and Van der Vaart) AND their wealth of talented wide players will cause them to focus play on either side of the pitch more often than not. Against sides with a wider range of midfield players (again, think Spain and Chile!), the Dutch might suffer to gain dominance in most areas of the pitch and struggle to retain possession.
Which is why, most probably, against said sides, coach Van Gaal will look to enforce a more defensive approach when they lose possession; choosing to soak-up the opposition’s pressure and release some blistering counter-attacks down the field.
Robben’s abundance of pace coupled with his trademark mirrored edge-of-the-box runs, with which many defenders still cannot cope (easier said than done!), are surely going to be the Netherland’s biggest asset going forward. His partner on the other side, be it Lens or (less likely) Kuyt, will be asked to do more of the same and run the channels as much as possible and offer target-man Van Persie numerous options from out wide.
Wesley Sneijder will be given a completely free role in-behind the main line of attack. It will be his top priority to make sure that he offers his attackers as many options as possible when having the ball at his feet. He will surely try to dribble his way through the middle and unleashe a deadly shot (Netherlands will be doing a lot of those!) or simply play someone through between the defensive lines. Ergo, His fitness and form will be crucial as to whether the Dutch will be able to open play and score goals whenever they get the chance.
It will be a very interesting show on offer every time the Netherlands play; but the degree to which they will be able to enforce their style of “total football” depends largely on how opposing teams adapt to the flow and tempo of the game at hand.
Main man: Robin Van Persie: Never has there been a more crucial time for Robin Van Persie to prove to the entire world (especially his doubters) just how much of an excellent player he is than at this WC. The Dutch Captain’s incredible technical skills, unbelievable eye for goal, immense quality in attack and proven positional play could be the reason why the Dutch might just go far in this competition.
Odds (average from top 24 betting firms): 31.54167
Ahmad Al-Omar - 3. Jun, 09:48
