For a nation that breeds talent after talent, it has failed to win anything before or after the 1988 European Championships, where a team including Van Baasten, Rijkaard, Gullit and Koeman excelled. Since then, any number of factors, many self-inflicted, have conspired to starve the Dutch of glory.
The latest version was in Germany 4 years ago when Holland faced an aggressive and organised Portugal. A massive 21 yellow cards and 3 reds were handed out in what my DVD has titled 'Die Kaartenfest' (probably erroneous German spelling). The Dutch self immolated as they had in previous Euro and World Cups.
The 2010 squad has again an ominous look to it, with a sliky yet street smart midfield and goals that can be sourced from anywhere, as seen in the 4-1 demolition of Ghana. With a fresh Robin Van Persie and a strutting midfield including Van Der Vaart, Robben, Sneijder and Van Bommel, again we wait to see if potential can be realised.
The group phase should be smooth sailing before a meeting with Paraguay or Italy.
Along with Spain, Holland brings the most comprehensive squad in terms of raw class.
Will it be enough?
CAMEROON'S lead up has been a little tetchy, with previous star wiggler Roger Milla suggesting Samuel Eto'o plays better for club than country, and Eto;o threatening to quit International football. The red card in the friendly against Cameroon echoes the frustration. Logic suggests that Eto'o ignore Milla and just get on with it, but Eto'o's prissiness suggests that Milla may be right to an extent. Beyond Eto'o, Paul Le Guen's squad includes experienced European based players Rigobert Song and Geremi.
However, all will inevitably depend on Eto'o. For a player who is so eulogised as a Cameroonian success story, he must deliver. Cameroon should shrug aside Japan and Denmark to clinch the 2nd spot in the group, again due to inherent acclimatisation and continent home pride.
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