Profile Netherlands Squad

Netherlands Coach

Coach Bert van Marwijk is first and foremost a pragmatist. His preference for two defensive midfielders is still a bone of contention at home, just as it was when they reached the 2010 World Cup final.

Wesley Sneijder's improved form in recent weeks is a huge boost. Along with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, he makes the Oranje serious contenders. One problem is that van Marwijk's formation makes it difficult to accommodate on-fire Klass-Jan Huntelaar, who scored against England in February.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar had to settle for a place on the bench at the 2010 World Cup, but the Schalke striker pressed his claims for a regular starting spot with a red-hot 12 goals in eight qualifiers. While 'The Hunter' filled his boots against minnows San Marino, scoring five times in total, he also netted in both matches against Group E runners-up Sweden.

Netherlands Squad

Huntelaar started the first four qualifiers before picking up a knee injury which ruled him out of the double header against Hungary. Van Persie netted in both games against the Hungarians and kept his place for June's glamour friendly against Brazil, prompting Huntelaar to ask for "a little more faith" from Van Marwijk. Perhaps a tactical change is on the cards.