Experienced Dutch manager Huub Stevens spoke to the NOS and gave his opinion on the current predicament that the Netherlands national team find themselves in.
- By James Rowe
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Netherlands beat Belarus 3-1 on Saturday but their chances of reaching the World Cup were all but ruined by Sweden’s 8-0 win over Luxembourg.
The result leaves Netherlands needing to beat Sweden 7-0 on Tuesday, a result that former Schalke, Hamburg, and PSV boss Huub Stevens believes is impossible due to Oranje’s lack of physicality and aggression.
Stevens said, ”The national team achieved a decent result winning in Belarus but you also have to factor in what happened in the previous game between Sweden and Luxembourg.
”But also even before the last round of games if you lose 4-0 away to France in Paris you can expect problems in your upcoming games.
”When the draw for the World Cup qualification was made I stated that it would be difficult to qualify and that has proved to be the case.
‘ If l look at how the Dutch national team starts international games in terms of ball possession passing sideways then I ask myself where is the aggression.
”We must look at Dutch clubs and not just blame the national team manager. I believe we don’t train hard enough and do not show the correct level of aggression and resistance needed in training and you see that in our competitive games.
”To win 7-0 at home to Sweden is a big ask. I do not believe that we have a chance due to the fact that Sweden play physical football and we are not able to match that.”