The 2022-23 UEFA Nations League has now commenced; arguably the standout fixture of its first matchday was the latest edition of the Low Countries derby. Belgium hosted the Netherlands at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. In a dominant performance, the Netherlands romped to a 4-1 victory over their favoured neighbours. Memphis Depay was the Oranje's standout performer with two goals; Steven Bergwijn and Denzel Dumfries also found themselves on the scoresheet. Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi's stoppage-time goal only served to slightly reduce the margin of victory.
With the 2022 World Cup now just a little over five months away, virtually no one seems to be giving the Netherlands any chance whatsoever of going all the way and bringing the biggest prize in world football to the country for the first time. This was largely the case because the Netherlands seemed rather unconvincing in their World Cup qualifiers, barely making it through a group in which Turkey and Norway were the biggest threats.
However, underestimating this Dutch team could prove to be a grave mistake. Not many realize it, but a World Cup victory in December is actually a plausible scenario. Beneath the surface lies a team with serious upside.
Although the Netherlands have, in my opinion, just one player who is a genuine superstar in Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk, the team is incredibly deep and loaded with players in the tier just below elite. Players such as Frenkie de Jong, Depay, Matthijs de Ligt, Jasper Cillessen, Bergwijn, and Dumfries ensure that the Netherlands are stocked with quality starters at almost every position.
Following the Netherlands' underwhelming Euro 2020 campaign, former head coach and Oranje legend Frank de Boer stepped down in June 2021. This paved the way for Louis van Gaal to begin his third stint in that position for the Netherlands. While he has only presided over just a few matches during his current go-around, van Gaal brings a wealth of experience and tactical know-how - both of which his predecessor had very little. Notably, the last time van Gaal was in this position, he led the Netherlands to the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup and registered an iconic 5-1 victory over then-reigning champions Spain along the way.
The Netherlands' failure to qualify for both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup as well as their subsequent exit in Euro 2020's round of 16 might actually work in their favour. They will be hungrier and more eager than ever before to prove that they belong at the top table of international football. As they have not made a significant impact in a major tournament for eight years, the Netherlands will unquestionably have more than their fair share of doubters. That being said, this team clearly has the personnel to silence these doubters.
The World Cup draw has been kind to the Netherlands; they have been gifted an absolute cupcake of a group. They have been drawn against Qatar, Ecuador, and Senegal in Group A. In the round of 16, their likely opponent will be either the United States or Wales; both are opponents which the Netherlands should easily dispatch. Their first real challenge should come in the quarterfinals, where they will probably face Argentina. Although the Netherlands would be likely to start this match as slight underdogs, it's not even close to a done deal in favour of the South Americans. The Netherlands certainly have a puncher's chance of at least matching their 2014 campaign and reaching the last four in Qatar.
It's true that recent history has seen the Netherlands go through some lean years. However, their crushing victory against Belgium might be evidence that they are hitting their stride at the perfect time. They might just be primed to break their slump on the international stage in the most spectacular manner possible.
Although the Netherlands have a history of coming up short in the World Cup, this could be the year that changes all of that. Thrice they have lost in the final and twice in the semifinals, often with ludicrously talented teams. That being said, while the current crop might not have the sheer star power of prior generations, do not be shocked if, when all is said and done, the World Cup trophy makes its way to the Netherlands at long last.
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