Qatar World Cup - Oranje Victory to Come!

It is a long shot. There are only 8 seeded in pot 1. Qatar (host) took 1 spot so only top 7 take the other 7 spots so even if Italy and Portugal fail to make it, Denmark will get the spot before Netherlands. Netherlands and Germany are likely in pot 2. Do you know the cut off time for FIFA ranking that seeding for WC will be based on? If it is 8-9 months from now, Nations League matches may matter.

 

Seems like Oranje had often done well in a Group of Death... I suppose it makes the preparation sharper as there's little margin to error from the start.

IMHO, drawing Belgium would be really awesome. Oranje and Belgium haven't matched each other in real competition since WC '98. That is 24+ years by the time WC '22 started. Long overdue!!! I believe Oranje have played the rest of the top-9 somewhat recently.

 

Portugal get the home advantage though in the final playoff leg… Italy missing out would be quite strange (epic), after their conquering the Euro

Has it ever happened before when reigning Euro champ missing out on the following WC?

 

You don't remember the miracle runs by Korea and Japan the year that they co-hosted. New FIFA, same corruption it's going to happen again.

 

A few times.

Czechoslovakia won it in 76 and missed out on 78.
Danes in 92. Failed to make the World Cup in 94.
Greece in 04. Failed to qualify for Germany 06.

 

I wonder what your guys' team looks like for Qatar or who you have in your squad for Qatar? If you guys are picking the squad for next November's World Cup, who is in your Final 26 man squad?

 

But I'm more or less happy to see you guys back at a World Cup because you guys have been missed

 

Final 26?
I thought it’s back to normal 23.

 

If that is the case, then who makes your Qatar 2022 squad

 

Only a few are certain, the rest is to be decided.
Certain:
V. van Dijk
S. de Vrij
M. de Ligt
F. de Jong
M. Depay

Almost certain:
V. Bijlow
G. Wijnaldum
T. Malacia
D. Blind
M. de Roon
Koopmeiners
N. Lang

 

I think ~80% of the squad has already been decided.... the current selection has solidified, and showed little changes as of late (except for last-minute injuries).

I've only counted at most 5 spots that are somewhat contentious: 3rd GK, backup RB and LW, backup RW and LW. They are all coin-toss for now, and it will really depend on who's in-form (and healthy) by the time the tournament rolls around.

GK: Bijlow, Cillessen, Flekken/Krul

RB: Dumfries, Timber/Hateboer/Rensch
CB's: Virgil, De Vrij, De Ligt, Ake
LB: Blind, Malacia/Wijndal

DM: Frenkie, De Roon
CM's: Wijnaldum, Klaassen, Gravenberch, Koopmeiners

RW: Berghuis, Malen/Bergwijn
ST: Memphis, Weghorst
LW: Gakpo, Danjuma/Lang

 

But I'm happy that you guys are back at a World Cup. Much deserved.

 

Wijnaldum and Blind will both be there

 

Horrible the World Cup of fatigue in 2002.
Ironically the powerhouse Oranje did not participate.

 

Pretty much spot on to the way I see it also.
My exception is throw out Hatboer/Rensch and add Karsdorp.
No Krul
Would love to Drop Blind and Klaassen but sadly this wrong won’t be corrected.

 

• I think there is still a chance that Van De Beek can replace Klaassen.
• I wonder if Gakpo is a lock over Danjuma/Lang.
• I would like to see Karsdorp as well but I think Timber will be the backup. Let's forget about Hateboer/Rensch. I don't think we need Timber. If needed I put De Roon (or Blind) in to play in front of the 2 CB if we run out of CB. We also have Ake as backup to the 3 other CB.
• I think Krul is needed. He is still 1 of the best PK goalkeeper and we go for a win. There is a good chance that this team will play 5-3-2 vs stronger opponent in the knock out and we have to prepare for PK. I have no trust with Cillessen for PK.

 

Backup RB.... I think Timber is on the driving seat. Even though he is not entirely natural in RB position, his versatility is huge (just like Ake for LCB/LB). And Timber is a real baller. Super comfortable with the ball. Rensch will/should fall out from the consideration given that he's not even playing regularly at club level. My dark horse would be Frimpong, but he hasn't been part of the NT setup - so he has a lot of grounds to make up.

Backup LB... Wijndal is finally healthy again. He will fight Malacia to the wire. Interesting contest between the two!

Backup RW... another intriguing battle, between Malen and Bergwijn. Both were/are struggling to get consistent playing times at their respective clubs. Malen was able to take advantage of Haaland's absence past couple weeks (good for him!), we shall see if his minutes will stay now that Haaland is back. Bergwijn could use a transfer/loan this winter break.

Backup LW... I think Gakpo is in. Strong development from last season (though now slowed down by injury). A clear leader and go-to attacking option at PSV. Had experience playing in major tournament (Euro 20-21). Danjuma had a nice break-through with Oranje recently, and he faces tougher competitions in Spain on weekly basis. Seems like he has an edge over Lang - at least for the time being!

Third GK... who cares! Krul, if I had to pick - just because I wanted to see LVG making an eye-popping goalie substitution for the PK shootout.

 

Krul is a must. He will go if I was coach. Having a specialist PK goalie is an advantage. In this era of 5 subs plus one more in AET, why not bring him just for the PKs. I mean teams have had to win back to back PKs in the knockout round before so why not.