National team coach Danny Blind has given his views on Netherlands 2018 World Cup qualifying draw, which will see the Oranje face both France and Sweden for a place in Russia.
- By Michael Bell
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Blind is yet to take charge of his first Netherlands match after replacing Guus Hiddink last month, but he faces not only a tough task to guide the Oranje to Euro 2016, but also the World Cup in 2018.
Netherlands were placed in Group A with France, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belarus and Luxembourg, which is already being considered as the group of death in the European qualifying section.
Speaking to the official KNVB Website, Blind called the draw tough, but also challenged his players to rise to the challenge.
He said“An attractive group, but a tough draw,”
“These are fine football nations, with France standing out as the former European and world champion. Because only the group winner advances directly to the World Cup finals, we have a tough job ahead of us. Bulgaria and Belarus, from pots 4 and 5 respectively, are no small fry either.”
“On the other hand, I know that our group members weren’t particularly looking forward to be pitted against the Netherlands either. And let’s be honest, strong opponents can only motivate us,”
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