Louis van Gaal announced on Saturday the 23 men that will be representing Netherlands in Brazil.
There aren’t many surprises from van Gaal. With the exception of Rafael van der Vaart, who misses out with injury, he cut young players from the domestic league. As a result, Holland’s bringing a rather aging side to the 2014 World Cup. Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Klaas-Jan Huntelar, and Robin van Persie will all be 30 when the tournament starts, and Dirk Kuyt is nearly 34. Dutch fans will be hoping these attackers all have some gas left in the tank.
The seven men that will remain at home are goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet (PSV); defenders Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse) and Karim Rekik (PSV); midfielders Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg) and Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord); and forwards Quincy Promes (Twente) and Jean-Paul Boetius (Feyenoord).
Netherlands play their first game on June 13, opening against Spain. Chile and Australia are also included in Group B.
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Michel Vorm (Swansea City)
Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi (all Feyenoord), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Joel Veltman (Ajax)
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV)
Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
As friendlies play out and we edge ever closer to the June 2nd deadline, expect to see more information on who’s heading to Brazil - and who’s sad about staying behind.
