Netherlands
Coach: Bert van Marwijk
Bert van Marwijk is the current Head Coach of the Dutch national team, he replaced Marco Van Basten after Euro 2008. In 1982, he began his transition into coaching after retiring as a player in 1988. In 2002, he won the UEFA Cup with Feyenoord and is also the father-in-law of Bayern Munich and Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel!World Cup 2010 Qualifying:
The Dutch won 2-1 away to Iceland to become the first European side to qualify for the World Cup 2010 tournament. Goals from Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel put Bert van Marwijk's team in the driving seat before Kristjan Orn Sigurdsson pulled a goal back. On qualifing Bert van Marwijk said "My goal was to qualify for the finals so now we have a year to prepare. Winning six straight World Cup qualifiers deserves a compliment."Past World Cup Performance:
The Dutch national team's greatest moments were back in the 1970s. Under coach Rinus Michels, they finished runners-up in the 1974 FIFA World Cup as a team boasting the great Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens lost 2-1 to the hosts Germany. Four years later in Argentina they made it to the final again, losing out 3-1 to the host country in Buenos Aires to become the first back-to-back runners-up. As reigning European champions, the Netherlands looked set for glory at Italia 90, but despite the presence of international stars such as Ruud Gullit, Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten, they came unstuck in the second round against Germany. Despite being currently ranked 3 in the World Standings the Dutch have often flattered to deceive at major tournaments in recent years but they possess some World Class players and they are capable of beating any team and going all the way at World Cup 2010. The Netherlands have been drawn in World Cup Group E in what looks to be a very colourful affair with the red of Denmark, blue of Japan, green of Cameroon and of course the famous orange of the Netherlands!Netherlands - Key Players
Robin Van Persie - Arsenal
Arjen Robben - Bayern Munich
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - AC Milan
Dirk Kuyt - Liverpool
