Netherlands good chance at next World Cup?

My favorite international teams are the Netherlands and France but I doubt the French will win the next World Cup since they will have huge roster turnover IMO. The Netherlands got alot of young guys in the WC for the first time this around, will they have good shot in 4 years do you think?

My favorite international teams are the Netherlands and France but I doubt the French will win the next World Cup since they will have huge roster turnover IMO. The Netherlands got alot of young guys in the WC for the first time this around, will they have good shot in 4 years do you think?
I have no idea of where France is heading. In 2010, they'll have tons of nice young players and players that are young nowadays and that will peak (Toulalan, Benzema, Mexes, Frey, Ribery, Malouda, etc...). Some vets could also be still very competitive (Henry, Trezeguet, Gallas, Abidal?).
However, if they continue to name stupid coach after stupid coach, they stand no chance of winning it.


Of course I said the same thing this summer.

id say Domenech did a pretty good job this summer no?

First thing the KNVB needs to do is review Marco van Basten's job. He's already alienated two veteran players (Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marco van Basten), who's to say he won't do the same to any current younger players on their way to being veterans counted on for success? The association needs to bring him into line, or find a suitable replacement.

I would have an orgasm if somehow, someway, Guus Hiddink would find himself guiding the Oranje to South Africa.

id say Domenech did a pretty good job this summer no?
No he did a bad job I think, but the players got it done.

It's really hard to know how much of a hand he had in all these wins. Scotland's defeat was his first in an official game since he took over.

But he's really driving a formula 1. Players are of incredible quality everywhere for him to pick.

I would have an orgasm if somehow, someway, Guus Hiddink would find himself guiding the Oranje to South Africa.

Why? You like boring football?

Why? You like boring football?

I like hard-nosed football where players play their guts out.

id say Domenech did a pretty good job this summer no?

The baseless imprisonment of David Trezeguet is not what I'd refer to as a "good job"

I still think that Domenech did a good job. I know all of us were bashing him with the 4-5-1 and not playing Trez, but you really can't argue with the results although I still wouldn't mind seeing a 4-4-2 from France.

I think the Netherlands will be a real threat at both Euro08 and WC10. It was stupid to alienate Ruud, but Huntelaar will be a better player than Ruud by 2008 and he'll certainly be better by 2010. They also have some young studs in Robben and van Persie on the wings. VdV could do better for the NT in my opinion, but the Netherlands do have a lot of young talent coming up.

The one area that would really concern me is the defense. It's not bad, but I don't see any real superstar defenders there right now (sorry O=S, but Heitinga and Boulahrouz just aren't there yet).

The new generation is about to hit their prime. Right now we're still in a rebuild fase with a mix of veterans (Landzaat, van der Sar, Gio) and rookies here and there, but I figure that in 2008, during the EC, which has been the target for Marco van Basten, that we'll have quite a young, but utterly promessing team.

Not many teams, if any, can bolster a forward trio with the potential of Robben -- Huntelaar -- van Persie. Not to mention Sneijder and van der Vaart just behind them. They all play their natural positions and they are all in their prime. Babel, Maduro, Owusu, de Guzman, Aissati, Afellay, Medunjanin, Schaars and perhaps even the greatest Dutch prospect at the moment (IMO) in Anita might be ready for prime time as well. But that's yet another generation and they might set their goals on 2010 at the earliest.

In terms of midfielders and offense, the Dutch are about to showcase its brightest generation they've had since ages. Arguably followed up by an equally deep and talented generation (88/89's - Anita, Aissati, Sarpong, Goossens, Marcellis, van de Bergh, etc). So that's good comfort..

On defense I highly disagree with FlyHigh. Boulahrouz has everything what it takes to become that stud defender. Johnny Heitinga's mega upside seems to be slinking by the minute, but even if he stops developing (he's 22), he's still a very above average to good defender who's already amongst the most experienced 22 year old defenders in the world.. However, there are two central defenders walking around who are skyrocketting on my and van Basten't lists. Gijs Luirink (already got several calls) and Ryan Donk are two to keep an eye out. Especially the latter who just hasn't been showing any signs of limitations. He has it all.. Not to mention Luirink's U21 EC winners partner Ron Vlaar can't be overlooked. Mathijsen (HSV) is still fairly young as well.On the flanks we have one of the best potential backs in the world (Emanuelson - who scored a sick goal yesterday btw), while Drenthe isn't shabby either. Plenty of depth on the right (Tiendalli - named top RB of past EC U21 - Braafheid, Boakye, de Jong)..

In net we have Stekelenburg as a stopgap for Vermeer and Krul. But it wouldn't surprise me if Stekelenburg would maintain his position if he keeps playing like he is now.

Will we be a force at the next Euro? I don't see why not. I'm sure we'll contend but we won't be the clear cut favorite, if there even are any thesedays. But it's the WC in 2010 to keep an eye out. Talent in abundance, but we need a Hiddink or Rijkaard who can maximize their potential. I don't see Marco being effective with the upcoming group.

On defense I highly disagree with FlyHigh. Boulahrouz has everything what it takes to become that stud defender. Johnny Heitinga's mega upside seems to be slinking by the minute, but even if he stops developing (he's 22), he's still a very above average to good defender who's already amongst the most experienced 22 year old defenders in the world.. However, there are two central defenders walking around who are skyrocketting on my and van Basten't lists. Gijs Luirink (already got several calls) and Ryan Donk are two to keep an eye out. Especially the latter who just hasn't been showing any signs of limitations. He has it all.. Not to mention Luirink's U21 EC winners partner Ron Vlaar can't be overlooked. Mathijsen (HSV) is still fairly young as well.On the flanks we have one of the best potential backs in the world (Emanuelson - who scored a sick goal yesterday btw), while Drenthe isn't shabby either. Plenty of depth on the right (Tiendalli - named top RB of past EC U21 - Braafheid, Boakye, de Jong)..



I know that the Dutch have a lot of great young talent coming up, but as of right now, I don't see that superstar defender. Emanuelson is really rising, but Heitinga has really slowed as you mentioned and young players' careers have developed of a habit of dying at Chelsea, so I wouldn't be holding my breath on Boulahrouz.

They definitely have some great talent coming, I completely agree with you, but they don't have that superstar right now.

Why? You like boring football?

He plays that kind of football based on the quality of the players. How can you blame him.

Didn't know The Netherlands, Real Madrid, Valencia were playing boring football...but I see you still can't cope with Lyon's loss two years ago. :dunce:

BTW the Dutch don't have a very bright future. I don't understand what has been said here.

BTW the Dutch don't have a very bright future. I don't understand what has been said here.Huntelaar, Kuyt, Babel, Robben, van Persie, Castelen, van der Vaart, Sneijder, Maduro, de Jong, Boulahrouz, Emanuelson, de Cler, Heitinga, Kronkamp, Sketelenburg...

That's pretty good for 2010 if you ask me.

He plays that kind of football based on the quality of the players. How can you blame him.

Didn't know The Netherlands, Real Madrid, Valencia were playing boring football...but I see you still can't cope with Lyon's loss two years ago. :dunce:

BTW the Dutch don't have a very bright future. I don't understand what has been said here.

Maybe not in years past but RM looks awful this year thanks to Capello.....they look as dry as paint thinner just like Juve did when he was there.

Why? You like boring football?

I am entertained by the win column. Guus Hiddink wins.

He plays that kind of football based on the quality of the players. How can you blame him.

Didn't know The Netherlands, Real Madrid, Valencia were playing boring football...but I see you still can't cope with Lyon's loss two years ago. :dunce:


I don't see the link with Lyon.
I see Hiddink's teams on a regular basis, be it from Korea to PSV to Australia, etc...

Hiddink's football is a winning football but sorry I find it boring as hell.

Don't worry about Frolov. He's just pissed Feyenoord isn't producing any internationals.

As for Hiddink; South Korea played awesome football I thought. Australia wasn't bad either. He played pretty defensive with PSV. He always tweaks his system to his team's strenghts and with PSV it was clearly defense. Best coach in the world if you ask me..

And yes Flighigh; I misunderstood, I perfectly agree that currently, we don't have that stud defender.

BTW; read an article today of one of the most respectable and knowledgebale soccer anylists in the country. He rarely praises players and is the first to pick out all the negatives, but he thinks van Persie will end up being mentioned along the likes of van Hanegem, Cruijff, Lenstra and Wilkes. Saying he has the potential to be better than the group below him (Rijkaard, van Basten, Gullit, Bergkamp, etc.)

Thought it was interesting.

Maybe not in years past but RM looks awful this year thanks to Capello.....they look as dry as paint thinner just like Juve did when he was there.Of course I meant when Hiddink was the coach of Real. ;)

Huntelaar, Kuyt, Babel, Robben, van Persie, Castelen, van der Vaart, Sneijder, Maduro, de Jong, Boulahrouz, Emanuelson, de Cler, Heitinga, Kronkamp, Sketelenburg...

That's pretty good for 2010 if you ask me.What did we enjoy Van der Vaart at the WC.

Somebody stated (who would that be? :innocent: ) the Netherlands can't do without VDV and he is one of the top10 midfielders in the world.

Huntelaar, Kuyt, Robben, Van Persie, Sneijder, Boulahrouz are great (young) players/talents but up front there has never been a lack of topnotch talent/players.

De Jong, De Cler, Kromkamp and Castelen are usefull, so is VDV when he's on (countable on one hand though).

I'm still not sold on Emanuelsson because he got blown off the pitch in several games during his short career already. Champions league vs Internazionle, league against Romeo Castelen, Feyenoord. Not really a good sign. However, I like his football sense and offensive qualities.

Maduro, Stekelenburg and Babel are absolutely not those great players like people (like Mr.Ajax van Basten and v/h Schip) make them out to be.

Heitinga is a good example of the madness. Hyped as the next Frank de Boer because he has great long pass but they forgot he lacks several other aspects of the game. Meanwhile we have seen enough and know enough.

I don't see the link with Lyon.
I do, he was PSV's coach when they eliminated Lyon in the CL 2,5 years ago.

That was a freaking disgrace to the game !




I see Hiddink's teams on a regular basis, be it from Korea to PSV to Australia, etc...

Hiddink's football is a winning football but sorry I find it boring as hell.
Yeah, why isn't he playing attacking football with powerhouses like Korea, PSV and Australia..

Anyone with common sense would give him credits for getting maximum result with "average" teams but our Evilo accuses him of boring football. :banghead:

BTW he didn't play boring with Korea and Australia (with moments) at all, so you really must have an aversion against him.

I do, he was PSV's coach when they eliminated Lyon in the CL 2,5 years ago.

That was a freaking disgrace to the game !




Yeah, why isn't he playing attacking football with powerhouses like Korea, PSV and Australia..

Anyone with common sense would give him credits for getting maximum result with "average" teams but our Evilo accuses him of boring football. :banghead:.

What was a disgrace was the reffing and Van Bommel's actions, not PSV's defensive game.
Again, there's no link between the awful reffing in that game and PSV's boring style.

And no sorry, Hiddink is exactly what is wrong with football nowadays in terms of quality of play.
It's basically they trap. I don't have any problem admitting Lemaire does a great job with Minnesota.
But sorry, I find it boring as hell and don't plan on seeing that type of quality anytime soon.

Sorry for me, wining isn't everything.
I'd rather lose in style, as frustrating as it is.

You still fail to see the difference between playing boring football with for instance Capello's Real Madrid and Hiddink's PSV.

I'm sure the Wild can also play good hockey and have results with a more offensive style of play and Australia, South Korean and most likely PSV can't.

You still fail to see the difference between playing boring football with for instance Capello's Real Madrid and Hiddink's PSV.

I'm sure the Wild can also play good hockey and have results with a more offensive style of play and Australia, South Korean and most likely PSV can't.

Actually no, you fail to see the difference on the pitch : none. Ding ding! There's zero difference on the final product.
Boring football is boring football.

Some teams playing attacking football even with limited budget/talent.

BTW; read an article today of one of the most respectable and knowledgebale soccer anylists in the country. He rarely praises players and is the first to pick out all the negatives, but he thinks van Persie will end up being mentioned along the likes of van Hanegem, Cruijff, Lenstra and Wilkes. Saying he has the potential to be better than the group below him (Rijkaard, van Basten, Gullit, Bergkamp, etc.)

Thought it was interesting.

I'm really not sure if van Persie will ever be that good to be honest. Henry does say that RvP is the best technical player he's seen at Arsenal, but RvP still has a long ways to go.

I agree that the potential is there, I just wish Wenger would play him more often (Adebayor started again on Saturday).

I'm really not sure if van Persie will ever be that good to be honest. Henry does say that RvP is the best technical player he's seen at Arsenal, but RvP still has a long ways to go.

I agree that the potential is there, I just wish Wenger would play him more often (Adebayor started again on Saturday).

Well, yeah.. It is quite a stretch to think he could be listed along the best player in history (which the anylist feels Cruijff is). But he made strong arguements. He's shown no signs of limitations and has been Oranje's MVP for the last 20 games or so. I think he'll end up being a legitimate top 10 player in the world, not sure whether how high though. Still baffles me how he isn't the same player for Arsenal as he is for Oranje.

The man also said Dennis Bergkamp would never make it.

For what it's worth..

The man also said Dennis Bergkamp would never make it.

For what it's worth..

When did he say that? 1986?

When the hype began after his first performances against for instance Malmö FF (1987).

The man also said Dennis Bergkamp would never make it.

For what it's worth..
:biglaugh:
Probably less of an outlandish claim than VP better than Cruyff though. :D

I'm really not sure if van Persie will ever be that good to be honest. Henry does say that RvP is the best technical player he's seen at Arsenal, but RvP still has a long ways to go.

I agree that the potential is there, I just wish Wenger would play him more often (Adebayor started again on Saturday).


Yeah I hate how he keeps playing a diminished role at Arsenal. I am almost certain the coach will never let him start in a huge game as well.

Well, yeah.. It is quite a stretch to think he could be listed along the best player in history (which the anylist feels Cruijff is). But he made strong arguements. He's shown no signs of limitations and has been Oranje's MVP for the last 20 games or so. I think he'll end up being a legitimate top 10 player in the world, not sure whether how high though. Still baffles me how he isn't the same player for Arsenal as he is for Oranje.

I don't know if he'll ever be top 10, but he'll certainly be a good one. I think he's one of those players that's perfectly suited for 4-3-3, but not so much for 4-4-2. It's almost like how Ronaldinho is in the perfect situation for Barca, but can't replicate that form for Brazil. Once Walcott gets going, we might see a 4-3-3 every now and then from Arsenal, but Wenger is a pretty strong adherent to 4-4-2 with the occasional dabble in 4-5-1.

I still think he'll be a really big player for the Gunners some day though.

Yeah I hate how he keeps playing a diminished role at Arsenal. I am almost certain the coach will never let him start in a huge game as well.

I think van Persie was on the bench for the Watford game because AW was saving him for the game at CSKA today, same with Hleb.

I think van Persie was on the bench for the Watford game because AW was saving him for the game at CSKA today, same with Hleb.

I am not talking about one game. I am talking about in general. He will never be given the chance to be close to a regular striker with Arsenal, and I would be shocked if he ever started a huge game, like a Champions leagues final or a FA Cup final or something like that. If need be they will keep bringing in somebody younger to fill a more regular role. I kind of hope he finds another team that he gets to play more, although I hope it is one I still get to see him play on TV. He is one of my favorite players.