The Netherlands strolled to the top of group E and have emerged as one of the likely favourites to go on and win the World Cup.
The Dutch side have not been overly impressive but they have done what is needed in the key parts of the field to get wins in games while staying tight and solid in defence. There is more to come from this side and they are a very exciting prospect as the World Cup enters the knock out phase.
There are a number of Dutch players who have played very well so far at the World Cup and these players will be crucial as the importance of the games that Holland play starts to rise.
It’s important to review the way the side have played during group E at the World Cup because this will allow you to make a more calculated decision over whether they are going to win the World Cup.
Strengths
The Dutch team are very good going forward and they use this strength very well. They have a very disciplined and talented midfield and they fill this space with players who can all rotate and switch between areas.
The side also have some very good strikers who have built up their experience by playing at some of the best clubs all over the world. This ensures that they have a little more pace on the ball and a little more know-how when it comes to finishing.
They did all of the right things in midfield and attack during the World Cup and they need to carry this on into the knock out stages. However, it seemed quite clear that the Dutch were playing in second gear for the majority of their group games and they will have to up the ante when they start to play better teams.
They need to use their good ability to keep the ball and wear down their opposition because this is how they are going to create the chances they need to win games. Other sides will work just as hard to keep the ball so if they do this well then there is no reason why they cannot go on and win.
Weaknesses
The weaknesses in the Dutch team all come in defence and they need to get much tighter if they are going to go on and win further matches and do well. The main problem is that the defenders looked a little too far apart during their group games and this will allow quality strikers to get into the gaps and exploit the space.
The other problem the side have is that they look very narrow and they will need to play out on the flanks in order to get round many of the better defences from countries who are quite happy to let the attacking team have the ball in front of their defence.
The side will be sweating over the fitness of key player Arjen Robben who is struggling with a hamstring injury. However, the point is that the side should be able to cope with the players they have and get them to adapt to a different system.
Advice
The Dutch stand a very good chance of doing well at the World Cup and if you fancy them then they stand as a very good outside bet. However, you may be better off backing the individual players in the team who may have an influence during a single match.
Use the statistics that you can get your hands on and focus on the players who are scoring well, providing plenty of assists and even picking up yellow cards. You will then be able to lay down a few bets in order to slowly make some cash and cap your losses.
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