Soccer
Could the Dutch be the real deal at World Cup 2026?
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As we slowly transition into the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup this weekend, teams' potential routes to the final are slowly being worked out.
Before the tournament, all the talk of possible winners pointed in the direction of France, Spain or England, with Brazil and Argentina possible victors, too.
Yet, very few had the Netherlands in that same bracket. The Dutch are the perennial World Cup bridesmaids, being the only major footballing nation to never win football's biggest prize, but as they look to book their place in the Round of 32, are we sleeping on a possible triumph for the Oranje?
Pochettino sweating on Pulisic fitness
Is the future orange?
The Netherlands head into their clash with Tunisia tonight, knowing that a point will be enough to secure their passage through to the next round, after showing the attacking threat they have in their squad in the first two outings.
Although it was skipper Virgil van Dijk who opened their account Stateside before Crysencio Summerville added a second against Japan. And, yes, some lapses in defence saw Koeman's men surrender their advantage against the Asian side; they took no prisoners when it came to Sweden.
Facing a side that had thrashed Tunisia in their first game, the Dutch gave them a taste of their own medicine by sticking five past Graham Potter's side and flexing all their attacking strength.
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Summerville was again on the scoresheet, plus there was a brace each from tournament junkie Cody Gakpo and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.
All this without the needed record goalscorer Memphis Depay, who came off the bench, nor Justin Kluivert. While Donny Malen is yet to find the net, he offers another option in what could be the strongest looking attacking unit outside of France in the competition.
And, yes, they have conceded in both their games thus far; a backline of Van Dijk, Mickey van de Ven and Paul van Hekke looks to have enough big game experience to cope with bigger tasks ahead.
Add in Ryan Gravenberch and Frenkie De Jong's displays thus far, too, and it feels that Koeman has gathered together a real blend that could be a real threat.
Proceed with caution
Everything may well be pointing in an exciting direction for the Dutch, but it has come with a warning from a man who's been here before.
Ruud Gullit may have been part of the Netherlands triumphant 1988 Euros-winning team, but he's seen his national team fail to win the biggest prize time and time again, and has a warning of caution for those dreaming of what could be in the next few weeks.
"In the first couple of games, every team is trying to figure out where they are fitness-wise, team spirit-wise, all of that," Gullit exclusively told DAZN News, thanks to www.nysportsday.com
"As the tournament progresses, you start to see who they really are.
"I always hope Holland plays modestly in the early stages but still gets through. The further you progress, the better you play. You don't want to show all your cards too early, because then other teams start adapting their tactics specifically to counter you.
"Holland are playing really well, but you don't want to peak too early."
Before any thoughts of where they might end up, it's Tunisia and then a second round meeting that will be one of the highlights of the round.
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Whether the Netherlands finish in first or second in Group F, we'll get a good barometer of where this team is at in their last 32 match.
If they top the group, it will be a date with Morocco, who have already shown why they are Africa's most dangerous side and took Brazil apart in the first half of their meeting in game one.
Talking of Brazil, they would be the Dutch's opponents if they finish second, sparking memories of several classic clashes between the two, in what would be a 'proper' World Cup encounter.
Either way, it will be a step up and a chance for Koeman to show his side has the tools to really make a difference and go all the way in 2026.
But will it be enough to outshine the likes of Cruyff, Van Basten, Bergkamp, Robben and Van Persie and finally see the Netherlands crowned world champions?
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