Holland vs Japan

[Dutch Toffee]

I'm not sure you know, I like Van Bommel but at 33 I'm not sure he's got the legs to cover for Van der Vaart and Sneijder, De Jong's mobility would be more suited to that. I don't think the two defensive midfielders will be a major problem when you face better teams because you usually get more space to play and there's less creative responsibility on the likes of De Jong and Van Bommel. But it's difficult when you come up against sides who stick men behind the ball, someone with a bit more craft and vision would be more suited. I think Sneijder would be more suited, he's more of a midfield man than Van der Vaart, more comfortable dropping off and facing the play.


I'm guessing Van Marwijk is just looking for continuity and balance, he's obviously got a way of playing and he wants to build an understanding between the players. You'll be fine, I can see you improving (in terms of performance) when you come up against more adventurous sides.

Trying not to look biased here, but van Bommel has been Holland's man of the match for the last two matches. Has won virtually all of his personal duels, made no defensive mistakes, made some sublime passes and is the real leader on the pitch. I'm not the only one saying that, but it's the general opinion over here in Holland. I know he isn't the youngest, but believe me when I say he's one of these players who could easily go on for another three years. He lives football, doesn't drink or go out much. In short he's the ideal son in law, just ask van Marwijk for his opinion on that.

Ah well, another three points added. See you in the next round.

 

[jdeezy]

Am I the only one who thinks this anti-marijuana PSA commercial during Dutch game is a bad stereotype??

Haha DT-Gullit just said, "if it ain't Dutch, it ain't much!"

 

[ToxtethBlue]

Agreed, and I'm not saying drop him, he's fine alongside De Jong at present. I'm not sure he has the legs to cover for the likes of Van der Vaart and Sneijder though, it'd be too much defensive responsibility. And lets be honest, he isn't very mobile. If you are going to bring a creative midfielder into the middle than De Jong would be the natural partner given his mobility and stamina.

But Van Bommel fine in there, once you get past the group stages there'll be less creative onus on the likes of him and De Jong. You have enough in that advanced three to balance things out against better teams, especially when Robben is back.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

Agreed, and I'm not saying drop him, he's fine alongside De Jong at present. I'm not sure he has the legs to cover for the likes of Van der Vaart and Sneijder though, it'd be too much defensive responsibility. And lets be honest, he isn't very mobile. If you are going to bring a creative midfielder into the middle than De Jong would be the natural partner given his mobility and stamina.

But Van Bommel fine in there, once you get past the group stages there'll be less creative onus on the likes of him and De Jong. You have enough in that advanced three to balance things out against better teams, especially when Robben is back.

Agreed with that and even more important I'm convinced our coach Bert van Marwijk is also.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

Am I the only one who thinks this anti-marijuana PSA commercial during Dutch game is a bad stereotype??

Haha DT-Gullit just said, "if it ain't Dutch, it ain't much!"

Obviously not seen that commercial, but I can see the humour in that one.

It's one of the best known Dutch slogans in football.

 

[Axlswhk]

Disappointed, again, Dutch can play much better than this. Didn't see much creativity in midfield. Playing 2 defensive midfield against Japan is not the best idea to start with. Way too cautious in terms of lineup and buildup is too slow. The team lacks confidence going forward.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

Disappointed, again, Dutch can play much better than this. Didn't see much creativity in midfield. Playing 2 defensive midfield against Japan is not the best idea to start with. Way too cautious in terms of lineup and buildup is too slow. The team lacks confidence going forward.

Agree on the dissapointing part, but got maximum points from it. We know we can do an awful lot better and personally I'm still full of confidence. Tbh, like it we're not firing on all cilinders yet. We did that an awful lot of times in the past and had nothing to show for it in the end. Please let's start quietly and build up our performances this time. Two down, five to go.

 

[Axlswhk]

Seriously, I'm worried about the lack of creativity and the failure to impose their superiority. From what I'm seeing so far, Dutch lacks flair. Non of your winger is capable of beating fullbacks regularly, and if you play with 2 defensive midfield, winger needs to do a lot of work to make things happen. Sneijder can't do it all alone, I hope Robben will return fast.
I can imagine you'll struggle even more when you meet either Paraguay or Italy, both of them are known to destroy whatever good football you can dish out.

 

[Dutch Toffee]

Seriously, I'm worried about the lack of creativity and the failure to impose their superiority. From what I'm seeing so far, Dutch lacks flair. Non of your winger is capable of beating fullbacks regularly, and if you play with 2 defensive midfield, winger needs to do a lot of work to make things happen. Sneijder can't do it all alone, I hope Robben will return fast.
I can imagine you'll struggle even more when you meet either Paraguay or Italy, both of them are known to destroy whatever good football you can dish out.

Robben will be fit for the knock out phase and Elia will always be an option. Looking at our qualification and build up to the WC, I'm sure we have the creativity required in our team. Agree we've not shown that yet though, but convinced we'll improve on it.