GROUP D
On the Spot
Dick Advocaat (Netherlands)
The man is already a saint for taking on this schizophrenic Dutch team. Now he needs to go even further, navigating among the volatile minds and fragile egos to find the right blend. It will be a tall order indeed.
NETHERLANDS: Holland is arguably the most talented team in the competition after France, but the Oranje are far from a shoo-in.
Blame a penchant for squabbling and self-destruction, starting with the front pairing of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert, two guys who clearly don't like each other.
In midfield, you're always wondering which Edgar Davids will show up: the ballwinning hurricane or his sulky, stubborn alter ego? And, at the back, Jaap Stam aside, there is little reason to be cheerful.
Having said that, there is no substitute for great players and Holland is blessed, to the point where Dick Advocaat might even be tempted to ditch some of his veterans in favor of youngsters such as Rafael Van der Vaart and Arjen Robben.
Gemixte gevoelens dus...
Volgens de amerikanen en mijzelf, spelen de ego's van de spelers een grote rol.
Wat is jouw opinie?
Hoi, ik ben een lamzak met een passie voor flessen wasverzachter.
Neuk mijn oor en noem me Harry Mulisch