Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is finally starting to look forward to the World Cup and names his final squad for the France friendly March 5.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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In their first match of the year, Oranje take on France in a friendly this Wednesday, March 5. While announcing his final 23-man squad, the famously blunt manager took a new tone to his job as the national team’s manager.
Just a few weeks after saying he was “sick and tired” of leading Oranje, Van Gaal said, “The day the World Cup starts is getting getting closer… the tournament is now real,” adding, “I think it will be fun.”
His squad for next week brings in a handful of young, uncapped players; and, serves as a warning for Dutch team regulars who thought a seat on the plane to Brazil may have been guaranteed. Van Gaal is looking to start solidifying his World Cup squad after the friendly, and has said he hasn’t, “forgotten about those guys,” but if they want a spot on the World Cup squad, will need to, “pull it together for the tournament.”
The final squad for the faceoff with France:
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Michael Vorm (Swansea City), Jeroen Zoet (PSV)
Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV), Gregory van der Wiel (Paris Saint Germain), Joël Veltman (Ajax), Paul Verhaegh (FC Ausburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Stijn Schaars (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
Forwards: Jean-Paul Boëtius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahçe), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Quincy Promes (FC Twente), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
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I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!
This line-up aside, any thoughts on Lex Immers (Feyenoord) making an Oranje appearance? He seems to have a Jaap Stam sort-of presence on the pitch. That said, I don’t follow Feyenoord regularly enough to know how consistent he is.
Hey Matt – I’m not sure, I don’t follow Feyenoord close enough either. Based on the fact he’s 27, and Van Gaal seems to be going for a very (very) young defense, I wouldn’t bet on him making the cut.
Hey Matt – I’m not sure, I don’t follow Feyenoord close enough either. Based on the fact he’s 27, and Van Gaal seems to be going for a very (very) young defense, I wouldn’t bet on him making the cut.
Nigel de jong,krul and Bruma should be first team starters,i am very surprised they are missing against france,hope van gaal wont dissapoint and make the right choices.the weakness in this dutch squad is the defence,and de jong and strootman should play together in front of the defence,the same thing seedorf does for milan with de jong and essien,with good results
I don’t feel it’s a strong squad especially against france away but van gaal know better . Let’s see what happen……..
I like the young D. Love Van der Wiel but I do have concern with our center backs.. Who do you think those two will be ? Also can you see memphis getting himself a permenant spot ? …. My MAIN questions are where is Wijnaldum ? Drenthe ? Elia ? Narsingh ? are they not going to get the chance ?