Netherlands World Cup Preview

Best Ever Finish: Final (1974, 1978, 2010)

Manager: Louis Van Gaal

Key Player: Virgil Van Dijk

World Cup Group: Senegal, Qatar, Ecuador

Three time finalists The Netherlands will be hoping to finally get their hands on the glorious World Cup trophy this year in Qatar.

The Netherlands, known as Oranje (referencing the use of bright orange on their kits) qualified for the World Cup as group winners in Group G ahead of rivals Turkey and Norway.

The Flying Dutchmen will be hoping to make a mark on the tournament after missing out four years ago in Russia.

Champions League and Premier League winner Virgil Van Dijk will be making his first appearance at a World Cup aged 31 and partners Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt; giving The Netherlands one of the best defensives in this tournament.

The Clockwork Orange were subject to heartbreak in 2010 when they lost the World Cup final to Spain in extra time 12 years ago.

They again suffered devastation in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they encountered Argentina and lost 4-2 on penalties. They eventually finished third place after beating host’s Brazil 3-0.

In a group containing Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador, manager Louis Van Gaal will have high hopes that his men will top the group and face second place in Group B which could be England, Iran, Wales or the USA.

With a very strong squad, The Netherlands have been suggested as one of the favourites and are currently 14/1 to win the tournament.