After being the biggest disappointment at previous world cups, the Netherlands finally rose to the challenge in South Africa and played the final against Spain. Things could've easily gone the other way, but the Dutch failed to win the trophy and will make another attempt in Brazil. They bring an immensely talented squad to South America and with coach Louis Van Gaal at the helm, they shouldn't be ruled out.
The Netherlands have one of the best offensive squads of all teams participating at the World Cup, but unless they strengthen their defense, it is unlikely for them to play another final. The complete meltdown of Euro 2012 is still very much alive in the player's memories and bookmakers are equally reluctant to place them among the favorites. Bet365 offers the most generous odds at 29 to 1 for Holland to prevail.
Group stage and event prospects
Two years ago, the Netherlands were clear favorites to win the group, but were eliminated in dramatic fashion, after losing all three goals. Such a grim scenario is most unlikely, since they share the group with Chile and Australia, but they are no longer favorites to win it either. Spain is the top seed in Group B, but this presents punters with a rare opportunity of backing the Netherlands at odds of 3.50 to win the group.
It is going to be more or less a coin flip, because both European teams are expected to win twice and it will all be decided in the direct match. Chile is not to be underestimated though, as the South Americans rely on a bunch of formidable midfielders and talented strikers. They play for top European teams and bring loads of experience and skill to a highly ambitious and very motivated team.
Key players for the Netherlands at the World Cup
Talent was never in short supply and the Netherlands will once again bring a team packed with remarkable players. It is true that most of them populate the midfield and offense, while the backline is less impressive, but if they can keep opponents under pressure long enough, this shortcoming won't produce any facts. At least in the group stage, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben should create enough scoring opportunities for their opponents to be more concerned about denying them a chance to score.
Robin Van Persie is a remarkable striker but he suffered an injury with a few rounds left in the Premier League and couldn't help Manchester United in the Champions League either. He is on the mend and should be fit to play Brazil, but any injury sustained at the World Cup 2014 could send him back on the bench. In these circumstances, there is no point in choosing him as top scorer, even though the odds stand at 26 to 1 because Van Persie is not exactly reliable even when he plays his A-game.
Arjen Robben would be even more difficult to replace, because the Dutch playmaker is responsible for creating most of the offensive plays. The only area where he needs improvement is passing, he caused even though he is very precise when he needs to, Robben is a big fan of dribbling. The odds for him to be the top scorer at the World Cup are 67 to 1, which represent great value but the risks are equally high.
The bottom line
Compared to the team that made the final four years ago, the one that Louis Van Gaal relies on at the World Cup 2014 is not much worse. That's why the odds of 26 to 1 for a Dutch winning Brazil are appealing, but the safer bet would be to trust them to win the group stage at 3.50 with Bet365.
