The Netherlands are one of the best loved teams in the history of the FIFA World Cup™, renowned for their bold attacking style and outstanding technical ability. They have never lifted the trophy, however, this despite appearing in three finals and losing out twice in semi-final penalty shootouts.
Yet even though they have no stars on their shirt, the Dutch are often in the title contender conversation. The talent of their individual players ensures that, and so too does a proven ability to beat the very best on their day, from knocking Argentina out in 1998 with an iconic Dennis Bergkamp goal through roaring back to beat Brazil in the quarter-finals in 2010 to destroying holders Spain 5-1 in 2014.
They have maintained that reputation as dark horses under Ronald Koeman, who explained to FIFA: “People may not see us as one of the favourites to win the World Cup. But the strength of the Netherlands is that we can beat anyone because the ability is there in our squad.”
Koeman, who is in his second stint as Netherlands coach and set for his first World Cup in the role, has experienced heartbreak in the last two years. His side were sunk by a stoppage time goal in the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2024 against England and were eliminated on penalties in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League by Spain.
On both occasions, particularly sharing ten goals with La Roja across two legs, his team left the pitch with their heads held high. “I think this team is on track,” he said. “The Nations League quarter-finals with Spain were wonderful games. Maybe our best performances. We like to take the initiative and prefer an offensive style. And we also want to convince people of our playing style.”
Koeman, whose long and varied career in the dugouts has seen him coach ten clubs across four countries as well as take charge of his country, can count on a squad packed with technical quality. But he wants them to show steel as well as style at the World Cup.
“What I’d like people to say about my team is that they play with a lot of intensity,
that they can’t say we didn’t do enough,” he said. “I want them to play with confidence, with personality, understanding what their qualities are. And to always respect every opponent despite the fact there may be so-called smaller nations at the World Cup. They are all matches in their own right and you must ensure you’re not caught off-guard by a smaller nation.”
In Koeman’s favour is the fact that his squad is well represented across Europe’s top five leagues, with a particularly big Premier League contingent including
Jurrien Timber, Xavi Simons, Micky van de Ven and Tijjani Reijnders.
He said: “They are very talented with lots of technical skills but they also have to physically improve. The upcoming generation is now fully part of the Dutch national team. They have their own character but they were also shaped in the Netherlands, so we combine technical ability with physical attributes. Also, many of these players play in the Premier League which I feel is the strongest league in terms of intensity. That’s another big plus point for the Dutch national team.”
This exciting generation have the advantage of being led by Virgil van Dijk, who captained the team to the quarter-finals in 2022, when they were beaten on penalties by eventual winners Argentina after staging a stirring late comeback.
“He’s a captain that any coach would wish for,” Koeman said of the centre-back, who will turn 35 during the tournament. “A great personality, lots of experience. I don’t know whether it will be his last World Cup. It could be. But he’s a great ambassador for the Netherlands as a player and a captain.”
Koeman knows a thing or two about leadership. He was Netherlands captain during the last World Cup to be held in North America, when his side reached the quarter-finals at USA 1994 before losing a five-goal thriller to Brazil.
When asked about the greatest example of leadership in a World Cup, he instantly cites legendary compatriot Johan Cruyff, a player he idolised and a man he later played under at Barcelona.
“He had the ball at his feet, but he would also be indicating where his teammates should go,” Koeman said “When you talk about a leader, Cruyff was that.”
The Netherlands coach will be hoping one of his own players can be as inspirational to the next generation of fans watching this summer. “It’s a tournament the whole world is waiting for, that the entire world is watching,” he concluded. “And it’s the greatest stage for a footballer.”
