Netherlands – World Cup Profile
How will the Netherlands get on at Qatar 2022?
Road to Qatar 2022
It wasn't easy for the Netherlands to get out of Group G and reach the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014. An early defeat to Turkey was a worrying turn for the Dutch who quickly turned to veteran Louis van Gaal, appointed in August 2021 after coming out of retirement to take the national team reins for the third time. Results immediately came including a 6-1 thumping of Turkey, which pushed the Dutch to the top of the group where they stayed ever since.
van Gaal also revealed in April 2022 he had undergone successful treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and that this World Cup would be his last.
History at the World Cup
1934 - Round of 16
1938 - Round of 16
1974 - Runners-up
1978 - Runners-up
1990 - Round of 16
1994 - Quarter-finals
1998 - Fourth place
2006 - Round of 16
2010 - Runners-up
2014 - Third place
Key player
Frenkie de Jong burst onto the scene in the 2018-19 season as part of another talented young Ajax team that was seconds from reaching that year's Champions League final. His eye-catching performances earned him a move to Barcelona as the Spanish giants fought off a host of Europe's top clubs for his signature. De Jong's creativity and versatility have turned him into an indispensable part of a resurgent Dutch side, where his presence in Qatar will be all the more important following an injury to midfield partner Georginio Wijnaldum.
Group fixtures
November 21: Senegal v Netherlands - Al Thumama Stadium
November 25: Netherlands v Ecuador - Khalifa International Stadium
November 29: Netherlands v Qatar - Al Bayt Stadium
Follow all the action from 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar TM on beIN SPORTS
