World Cup 2014 Preview – Netherlands

After finishing second after the 2010 rendition of the World Cup in South Africa to the ruthlessly strong Spaniards, the Dutch are locked and loaded for a great summer in 2014, and may be hoping for a little payback, as the two squads are grouped together this summer. This squad is filled with great players, so bank on the Dutch to make a lot of noise come June 12.

When talking about a dominant team like the Netherlands, you may as well start up front and work your way back. Robin van Persie is a terrifying striker who gives defenders fits as they try to simply contain him. The 30 year Manchester United forward has scored over 200 goals in his club career, and to make matters worse for the opposition, he is fully capable of playing out wide on the wing and can drop back in the midfield to set up attacks. He is quite possibly the most dangerous player in this World Cup, so be sure to keep your eye on him as the Dutch try to run through Group B.

If van Persie does swing out to the wing, him along with fellow winger Arjen Robben may compose the best set of wings in the world. Robben has the most dangerous left foot in the world (and there comes a point where opinion becomes fact: this is that point). Everyone knows what he's going to do out at right wing, but no one can seem to stop him. If you had to compare him to another dominant athlete from another sport, it has to be Mariano Rivera. You know the cutter is coming, basically every pitch, and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. Not to mention Robben's speed, quickness, and dribbling skills give him the ability to dictate the tempo of the game, even though he doesn't play in the center of the pitch.

Wesley Sneijder is a name that is recognized by the soccer world as one of the anchors for the Dutch the past 8 years. Sneijder's presence in the midfield is the cog that drives this Dutch machine. During his professional career, he has amassed over 100 goals and assists on the club level, not to mention he's played in 96 national matches over 11 years. His experience is vital to the success of the Netherlands, and don't be shocked if he's in the middle of every big play for the Dutch this summer.

My prediction: The Dutch, although ranked #15 in FIFA's World Rankings, are still a scary good squad even after a letdown in level of play the past couple of years. They are playing the "Group of Death" part B, but they'll survive and advance to the knockout round ahead of Chile and Australia, and they'll have a little more motivation than usual considering Spain are the favorites in the group, so the Dutch may have a bit of revenge on their minds.