Are the Netherlands serious contenders for the Qatar World Cup?

With the end of the European season this month, football fans should be gearing up for a World Cup. Four weeks of sunny weather, optimism and inevitable heartbreak — if you’re an England fan at least. However, those waiting for their fix of international football will have to be patient for a few more months, as Qatar will be the maiden tournament held in the winter. Likely to disrupt the flow of the domestic season, the 2022 World Cup will have a different aura about it, but regardless of any off-field issues, it is still the biggest festival of football and the most prestigious tournament about.

In the four years since the last World Cup in Russia so much has changed. France’s ample attempt at consecutive tournament wins was overshadowed by eventually winners Italy failing to qualify Qatar. The Azzuri lost to North Macedonia before their expected clash with Portugal, meaning they’ll miss another World Cup with what is one of the best sides they’ve had since winning the 2006 tournament.

Then there’s the Netherlands. Another side that failed to make Russia, before that they had finished third and second in the last two World Cups, losing to Spain in 2010 by the finest of margins. Only a faint bit of movement and deft finish by Andrés Iniesta cost the Dutch a place in the history books, but now they look back to their best, stronger than ever.

The World Cup draw being made is when anticipation really begins to build. Having finished top of their group in qualifying, losing just one game, the Netherlands will be quietly confident going into the group stages. Virgil van Dijk is back to full fitness and has once again looked like a Rolls Royce at centre back. Frenkie de Jong, while struggling domestically with Barcelona, has been a revelation in midfield, while the versatility of the attack always means there’s a chance of scoring goals.

The Netherlands still have to be at their best if they are to finish top of the group though, and there will be no complacency as they face Qatar, Ecuador and Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal, who have Van Dijk’s Liverpool colleague Sadio Mané leading the line.

There are stronger sides in the tournament, of course, with Brazil and France favourites for the competition – for more on sports betting see bonuscodebets.co.uk.

Regardless, few will have as much emotional attachment as a dressing room than the Dutch. Their manager Louis van Gaal, who is stepping down after the tournament, had revealed his battle with cancer after qualifying, and the players will surely be looking to bring the trophy home for him. Van Gaal has won silverware everywhere he’s been, so one last trophy with his home country would be some way to bow out.

Despite having played in three finals, the Netherlands have never managed to get their hands on the World Cup, but with one of their most complete sides in years, and the passion inspired by their comeback arch, could this be the year we finally see them lift the trophy in Qatar?