Netherlands
The right moment or a tournament too soon?
It will be one of the most interesting questions of Euro 2020. What can be expected of the Dutch team after missing the last two major tournaments? After being runners-up at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and finishing third four years later, the national team fell into disrepair. The likes of Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben said farewell without any others of the same quality succeeding them. As a result, Oranje failed to qualify for both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
Now a new generation has emerged, one that appears able to compete with Germany, Belgium, France and Spain. Important players like Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay are the backbone of the team that showed class in reaching the inaugural Nations League final.
There is a strong reminiscence with the 1980s. After Euro ’80, Oranje failed to qualify for three tournaments in a row before clinching silverware at Euro ’88. That first and only silverware was thanks to another group of new kids on the block, including Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten. Players who, much like the current crop, played at Europe’s top clubs and had won titles before starting the tournament. So the ingredients to do it again are there. However, there are also issues that will concern supporters.
First of all, it is vital that Van Dijk is fit in time. Internazionale’s Stefan de Vrij is a worthy replacement, but he doesn’t have the commanding influence and charisma of the Liverpool man. The evidence of what his absence can take away from a team can be seen clearly at Anfield this season and, if he is also unavailable for his national side, he will be missed dearly. The same goes for other key players like De Jong or Depay. Without them, the team is mediocre.
The second question mark hangs over the coach Frank de Boer. The Netherlands’ recent success was partly based on Koeman’s charisma and tactics. More than once, Koeman had to restore things at half-time or during the match as the Dutch failed to remain dominant or consistent for an entire match. De Boer’s track record (three sackings in his last three jobs) isn’t convincing, nor was his start as Oranje head coach.
He isn’t helped by the fact that there are some weak spots in the team. It says enough that one goalkeeper, Tim Krul, isn’t playing at the highest level. And what about a back-up for Depay? The days of the Dutch attack being its strongest department are over. It helps to have three home games against Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia in the group stage, even if spectators aren’t allowed. What happens next is up for debate. Is it the right time or is this tournament too soon for this generation?
De Boer’s track record (three sackings in his last three jobs) isn’t convincing, nor was his start as Oranje head coach