Man Utd flops and Ronald Koeman - Why the Netherlands aren't banking on World Cup glory

The Netherlands have been the nearly team in World Cup finals. Given the history and the admiration for the style of football, they are arguably the best nation to never have won the competition.The Dutch reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition in Qatar, losing on penalties to eventual winners Argentina after a dramatic 120 minutes. For this summer’s tournament in North America, they have been drawn in Group F, where they will face Japan, Tunisia and Sweden in the group stages.Finalists in 1974, 1978 and, most recently 2010, the Netherlands have boasted the likes of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp and Arjen Robben in their past squads.There is a significant Premier League representation in the Dutch squad, with Eredivisie Mike from Football Oranje calling out Arsenal's Jurrien Timber, Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, and Bart Verbruggen - the Brighton goalkeeper - as key players among a huge contingent playing in England.‌Speaking to our Make Football Great Again podcast, Mike said: "I think that they will bring that Premier League quality; it has served many players really well moving to the league and making great names for themselves."JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageREAD MORE: World Cup 2026: Argentina – the 'nasty' holders who have a 'new role' for Lionel MessiREAD MORE: 100-day countdown for 2026 World Cup begins with huge off-the-pitch issues dominatingThat Premier League flavour also includes: Nathan Ake, Brian Brobbey, Micky Van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mark Flekken, Jorrel Hato and Ryan Gravenberch, among others.In fact, six of the starting XI in their recent 1-1 draw with Ecuador play in the Premier League. Five of the eight substitutes used also play for Premier League clubs.‌“I think Cody Gakpo's got a great reputation for Liverpool and is the Netherlands' best attacking threat. You're likely to see him line up with Jer...