Holland

Holland came through qualification with a perfect record of eight wins out of eight, albeit from the weakest group in Europe. Such impressive recent form leaves them as one of the favourites for the World Cup, although less hype has surrounded their build up than other countries.

The Dutch are one of the world's most famous footballing nations despite the size of the country, which is only a third the size of Ireland. In a population of of 16.5 million people, a ridiculous amount of uniquely talented footballers are produced, from Johann Cryuff to Marco van Basten to Dennis Bergkamp.

Despite their talent, the World Cup is still the holy grail, having lost consecutive finals in 1974 and 1978 to the host nations of those tournaments. Oranje entered both tournaments as underdogs, especially in Germany but the the team danced and passed their way to the final after a string of astounding performances. Their arrogance and Cryuff late night on the phone with an angry wife ultimately cost them.

Four years later, the post cost the Netherlands the title in Argentina,

before losing 3-1 in extra time. Rob Rensenbrink hit the post with only seconds remaining.

More recently, the Dutch have been inconsistent at major tournaments. Currently ranked fourth in the world, Holland only reached the second round in Germany due to a limp defeat to Portugal. The game was marred by Ruud van Nistelrooy's absence and then the four red cards and 16 yellows that followed, as well as heavy rain. The Battle of Nuremberg it will forever be known as.  

2008 looked destined to be a summer of redemption for Dutch football after a poor decade but after impressive performances against Italy and France, the Flying Dutchmen lost to a rampant Russian team in the quarter final, putting off a meeting with Spain which may define their tournament in 2010.

SCHEDULE- Group E

Denmark      June 14th- Johannesburg

Japan           June 19th- Durban

Cameroon    June 24th- Cape Town

The Clockwork Orange will be confident of topping Group E. All three opponents represent a difficult challenge and none should be taken lightly but the speed and technical qualities of the Dutch midfield should see them overcome all three.

Denmark qualified impressively, while Japan are World Cup regulars and Cameroon have talented players but none should have the capacity to really trouble the Dutch too much, although all three games will carry narrow scorelines.

The main obstacle to the Oranje may be themselves. in-fighting, cliques and personality clashes have damaged Dutch dreams before, notably in Euro '96 and again in Germany '06. Thus far Bert van Marvijk's team have represented a solid determined unit who enjoy their football together. As long as they're winning that'll continue, but once the knock-out stages commence Dutch minds can become a little fragile, especially when penalties are in sight.  

KEY PLAYERS

The stand out members of the Dutch squad are Champions League finalists Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben. Holland's two biggest stars have both has the best seasons of their careers and the pace of Robben and passing of Sneijder will be the backbone of any success in South Africa.

As will the goals of Robin van Persie. The Arsenal striker has only recently returned from injury but he is the lone striker these days for the national team since Ruud van Nistelrooy's retirement and non inclusion. The former Feyenoord player is capable of scoring on a consistent basis, but injuries have curtailed any chances to prove it.

The retirement of Edwin van der Sar has created problems in the goalkeeping position. Ajax's Maarten Stekelenberg is the only internationally experienced keeper in the squad. Any injuries will be problematic for what is already a potentially shaky defence. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's defence will need to play above their individual capabilities throughout.

ONE TO WATCH- Eljero Elia

The young Hamburg winger has only been capped six times by van Marvijk but he has already forced his way into the team. The 23 year old will complement Arjen Robben on the opposite wing, providing more ammunition for Robin van Persie    

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Potential winners, but it will be a difficult path to get to the final, having to possibly overcome Spain and Argentina to get there. The country and the fans embrace the colour orange during tournaments, and we might be seeing a lot of that this summer.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Dropping out at the group stage is not a realistic possibility, and losing in the second round to Slovakia or Paraguay is equally unlikely, but even losing at the quarter final stage, albeit to Spain, will be a major disappointment.

PREDICTION

Quarter final place at least. Their defence might cost them in that potential showdown with the European Champions.