For the first time since playing at Euro 2012, the Dutch will grace the field. Belgium vs Netherlands also represents Louis van Gaal’s first match since succeeding Bert van Marwijk.
UEFA Euro 2012 turned out to be a total disaster for Group of Death favourites Netherlands. They went from one defeat to another and exited the tournament without clinching a single point.
The Oranje’s main problem at the Euros was their wastefulness in front of goal. In addition, “too many things happened that prevented us from having a good tournament,” according to Arjen Robben who spoke to De Telegraaf on Monday.
Due to their poor form, the Netherlands got punished by Denmark, Germany and Portugal on the trot. With these defeats, they instantly threw Dutch football into total humiliation. The Netherlands’ downfall all happened too quickly.
Their runners-up finish in South Africa 2010 and top-notch performances throughout the Euro 2012 qualifiers are now part of the past. Bert Marwijk’s four-year spell as Oranje coach ended on June 27.
As part of the KNVB’s reshuffling plan, the appointment of ex-Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal followed soon after. “I am happy that the KNVB has approached me. This is the challenge I have been waiting for,” Van Gaal told the press following his presentation as the Netherlands coach on July 6, 2012.
The challenge is huge and the former Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich coach knows it. Louis van Gaal was in charge of the Dutch team between 2000 and 2002. If his tenure with the KNVB took only a couple of years, it is because he misguided the Oranje in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This time, Louis van Gaal’s task is to re-organize the team and ensure they reach Brazil 2014. The World Cup qualifiers begin with four matches between September 7 and October 16. Belgium vs Netherlands is the Oranje’s only opportunity for assessment ahead of their pressuring 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.
“Van Gaal is a good trainer, clear and sharp. With renewed courage and strength we will try to qualify for the World Cup in two years’ time in Brazil,” striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar told Voetbal International last month.
Earlier this year, the Flying Dutchmen (as the Dutch are sometimes referred to) seemed close to reaching the peak of the pyramid. However, their total failure in the Group of Death at UEFA Euro 2012 left them with broken wings.
Whereas the future of Dutch football remains in the balance, the current team must quickly react to the urgent need of bouncing back. Sharing words of wisdom, key player Arjen Robben declared according to De Telegraaph:
“We have to look forward, but we must not forget what happened, and where it went wrong in June. I don't want to give away details, but it's clear that we need to talk with each other.”
The new chapter in the Netherlands’ football history begins with the exclusion of Mark van Bommel in the roster for the Belgium friendly.
The Oranje’s main problem at the Euros was their wastefulness in front of goal. In addition, “too many things happened that prevented us from having a good tournament,” according to Arjen Robben who spoke to De Telegraaf on Monday.
Due to their poor form, the Netherlands got punished by Denmark, Germany and Portugal on the trot. With these defeats, they instantly threw Dutch football into total humiliation. The Netherlands’ downfall all happened too quickly.
Their runners-up finish in South Africa 2010 and top-notch performances throughout the Euro 2012 qualifiers are now part of the past. Bert Marwijk’s four-year spell as Oranje coach ended on June 27.
As part of the KNVB’s reshuffling plan, the appointment of ex-Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal followed soon after. “I am happy that the KNVB has approached me. This is the challenge I have been waiting for,” Van Gaal told the press following his presentation as the Netherlands coach on July 6, 2012.
The challenge is huge and the former Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich coach knows it. Louis van Gaal was in charge of the Dutch team between 2000 and 2002. If his tenure with the KNVB took only a couple of years, it is because he misguided the Oranje in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This time, Louis van Gaal’s task is to re-organize the team and ensure they reach Brazil 2014. The World Cup qualifiers begin with four matches between September 7 and October 16. Belgium vs Netherlands is the Oranje’s only opportunity for assessment ahead of their pressuring 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.
“Van Gaal is a good trainer, clear and sharp. With renewed courage and strength we will try to qualify for the World Cup in two years’ time in Brazil,” striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar told Voetbal International last month.
Earlier this year, the Flying Dutchmen (as the Dutch are sometimes referred to) seemed close to reaching the peak of the pyramid. However, their total failure in the Group of Death at UEFA Euro 2012 left them with broken wings.
Whereas the future of Dutch football remains in the balance, the current team must quickly react to the urgent need of bouncing back. Sharing words of wisdom, key player Arjen Robben declared according to De Telegraaph:
“We have to look forward, but we must not forget what happened, and where it went wrong in June. I don't want to give away details, but it's clear that we need to talk with each other.”
The new chapter in the Netherlands’ football history begins with the exclusion of Mark van Bommel in the roster for the Belgium friendly.
