The Netherlands World Cup Qualifying campaign has gotten off to a less than stellar start. After three matches they are 1-1-1, sitting third in Group A with only four points.
The Netherlands Announce World Cup Qualifying Roster
The Dutch have struggled defensively with sloppy passing at the back, including a disastrous error by Kevin Strootman which lead directly to the goal in their 1-1 draw against Sweden. A stunning 30-yard strike by Paul Pogba lead the French to a 1-0 win over Holland, albeit Maarten Stekelenburg should have saved it.
The only bright spot was the game against Belarus, an easy 4-1 win with young stars Quincy Promes and Vincent Janssen performing magnificently. The Netherlands will take on neighbouring Luxembourg on November 13th and will then travel to Bulgaria to play on November 25th.
Danny Blind and the KNVB have announced their preliminary squad for both matches.
Goalkeepers:
Jasper Cillessen, Maarten Stekelenburg, Michel Vorm
Defenders:
Daley Blind, Virgil Van Dijk, Rick Karsdorp, Terence Kongolo, Joel Veltman, Marvin Zeegelaar
Midfielders:
Jordie Clasie, Davy Klaassen, Davy Propper, Bart Ramselaar, Stijn Schaars, Wesley Sneijder, Tony Vilhena, Georginio Wijnaldum
Forwards:
Memphis Depay, Bas Dost, Vincent Janssen, Luuk De Jong, Jeremain Lens, Quincy Promes, Arjen Robben
A fully fit Arjen Robben will prove invaluable to a team that sometimes struggles creatively. And Blind will have a tough decision as to who to put on the other wing, as both Jeremain Lens and Quincy Promes are having terrific seasons with their domestic clubs.
Although the addition of veteran Stijn Schaars is a little puzzling, as the 32-year-old has not featured with the team for a number of years now. His spot leaves no room for Kevin Strootman and Leroy Fer, both of whom seemed to have been snubbed by Blind.
These are two must-win games for the Netherlands, as Bulgaria and Luxembourg are below them in the group. The team will most likely play the traditional Dutch 4-3-3 formation, as they will have most of the possession.
Possible Dutch lineup:
Stekelenburg, Karsdorp, Van Dijk, Blind, Veltman, Wijnaldum, Klaassen, Sneijder, Robben, Promes, Janssen
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