The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup is set to commence on November 20 with an opening clash between hosts Qatar and South American powerhouse Ecuador, followed by the Netherlands taking on Senegal on November 21. Along with Qatar and Ecuador, Senegal and Netherlands have been drawn in Group A. Netherlands, popularly known as Oranje, is ranked World number 8. Since the World Cup tournament started in 1930, the Oranje has been the most unpredictable team.
They finished runners-up and in third place in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup editions, respectively. But the team failed to qualify for the World Cup played in Russia in 2018.
The Dutch team had not been able to qualify for the World Cup in its first edition in 1930, but when they did in 1934 and 1938, they made it to the Round of 16 (knock-out round). For straight six editions from 1950 to 1970, they could not qualify again, but finished as finalists (runners-up) in the next two — 1974 and 1978 — only to fail again to qualify in 1982 and 1986. But the team rose like a phoenix in the 90s — 1990, 1994 and 1998 — as they just strolled through to the knockout rounds. The coveted Cup had come so close yet so far for the Netherlands several times. It is to be seen now if coach Louis van Gaal's men can taste the glory this time around.
Starting with the best tactical acumen in Van Gaal, the Dutch team have world-class members in all the departments — the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, Frankie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Arjen Robben, et al, for example. However, they have some concerns. Van Dijk, named the best centre-back in the world, has never played in an international tournament for the country. Depay, one of the breakout stars in Brazil in 2014, has been of late seen warming Barcelona's benches. Van Gaal has earlier said he selects players who are often seen on the pitch during matches. It remains to be seen whether or not Depay can punch the Qatar ticket on November 11, when coach Van Gaal shortlists the 26-man team from the 39-member probables.
The Dutchmen are flying high with an unbeaten record in the last 15 international matches since Van Gaal started to helm the team as its manager. The Oranje last lost to the Czech Republic in the Euro Cup Round of 16 in July 2021.
Netherlands World Cup Record and Stats
- Matches played: 50
- Win: 27
- Draw: 12
- Loss: 11
- Previous World Cup appearances: 1934, 1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2014
- Current ranking: 8
- Goals scored: 86
- Player to watch: Virgil van Dijk
- Best finish: Runners-up (1974, 1978, and 2010)
Netherlands World Cup Schedule India Time
Netherlands vs Senegal: November 21, 9.30 PM, IST
Netherlands vs Ecuador: November 25, 9.30 PM, IST
Netherlands vs Qatar: November 29, 8.30 PM IST
Where To Watch Netherlands Matches
The live broadcast rights of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in India are with Viacom18 ( that's Sports18 and Sports18 HD for TV viewers), while the live streaming of the tournament will be available for free on JioCinema.