Friday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at home to Turkey marks and all-new phase for the Netherlands. The men to watch are coach Louis van Gaal and in-form striker Robin van Persie.
As of now, Rafael van der Vaart has no place in the national team. The ex-Spurs player who scored a rocket against Portugal at Euro 2012 is not part of Van Gaal’s plans. This situation prompted the player to tell De Telegraaf this week:
“I am fully match fit and really wanted to be part of the team for the match against Turkey. It's very disappointing that I was excluded from the squad.”
Louis van Gaal has also chosen Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to be the team’s main striker. However, this will not take the spotlight away from Robin van Persie come Friday.
Van Persie has scored four goals in three appearances for new club Manchester United. Three of his strikes came in dramatic fashion against Southampton last weekend.
Robin van Persie does not lack confidence in front of goal and the Oranje will surely need such composure to trouble Turkey. Louis van Gaal can count of the 29-year-old forward to assume his role when necessary.
“I'm available and trying to focus on my own role. Where could I play? It does not matter what I think. Those are questions for the coach. I am available for any position,” Van Persie told
“I have absolutely no intention to retire from international football. I still find it an honour to be here. That will never change. Not even if I don't play the next matches.”
Last month, the Netherlands went down 4-2 against Belgium. Although just a friendly encounter, the result said a lot. The Dutch will not recover from their terrible summer overnight, not even with the influence of Manchester United’s super striker, Robin van Persie.
However, the progress will certainly reflect through results – many of which could be marked by Van Persie goals. In a revealing statement, Netherland striker Dirk Kuyt told the press:
“But that feeling [of beating any team] has disappeared. The fear of our opponents has disappeared very quickly. It is important that we regain our confidence.
“I thought all the conversations we had in the three days around the Belgium game were very important. They have given me the feeling that everyone is serious to make something out of it.”
Louis van Gaal failed to lead the Netherlands into the World Cup finals in 2002. The time has come for the coach to make the most of Robin van Persie and company as Dutch football tries to avoid a total crisis.
“I am fully match fit and really wanted to be part of the team for the match against Turkey. It's very disappointing that I was excluded from the squad.”
Louis van Gaal has also chosen Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to be the team’s main striker. However, this will not take the spotlight away from Robin van Persie come Friday.
Van Persie has scored four goals in three appearances for new club Manchester United. Three of his strikes came in dramatic fashion against Southampton last weekend.
Robin van Persie does not lack confidence in front of goal and the Oranje will surely need such composure to trouble Turkey. Louis van Gaal can count of the 29-year-old forward to assume his role when necessary.
“I'm available and trying to focus on my own role. Where could I play? It does not matter what I think. Those are questions for the coach. I am available for any position,” Van Persie told
“I have absolutely no intention to retire from international football. I still find it an honour to be here. That will never change. Not even if I don't play the next matches.”
Last month, the Netherlands went down 4-2 against Belgium. Although just a friendly encounter, the result said a lot. The Dutch will not recover from their terrible summer overnight, not even with the influence of Manchester United’s super striker, Robin van Persie.
However, the progress will certainly reflect through results – many of which could be marked by Van Persie goals. In a revealing statement, Netherland striker Dirk Kuyt told the press:
“But that feeling [of beating any team] has disappeared. The fear of our opponents has disappeared very quickly. It is important that we regain our confidence.
“I thought all the conversations we had in the three days around the Belgium game were very important. They have given me the feeling that everyone is serious to make something out of it.”
Louis van Gaal failed to lead the Netherlands into the World Cup finals in 2002. The time has come for the coach to make the most of Robin van Persie and company as Dutch football tries to avoid a total crisis.
