World Cup Record: Runners Up, 1974 & 1978
Manager: Bert van Marwijk
Key Player: Wesley Sneijder
Qualified: 1st, Group 9, Europe
Odds: 12/1

The Dutch cruised through the group stages, winning all eight matches making them, alongside Spain, one of only two countries to register a perfect 100% qualifying record. In truth, Group 9 opponents Norway, Scotland, Macedonia & Iceland didn’t make life too difficult for them. But 17 goals scored, two conceded and the 14 point gap between themselves and second-placed Norway emphasised the difference in class and underlined their World Cup credentials. With Ruud van Nistelrooy retired, the goals were spread about with 11 different players getting on the score sheet. Dirk Kuyt & Klaas-Jan Huntelaar led the way with 3 each, with Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben & Rafael van de Vaart all chipping in. Throw in Wesley Sneijder, and they don’t lack for creative spark. In both Germany 2006 & Euro 2008 they produced some devastating performances early on before blowing it in the knockouts. When they get it right, they’re one of the few sides capable of matching Spain & Brazil, but backers of the “Oranje” have had their fingers burnt before.

Wesley Sneijder

Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Club: Inter Milan
Caps: 56 (12 goals)

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo & Kaka at Real Madrid signalled the end of Sneijder’s time at the Bernabeu but Jose Mourinho moved quickly to bring him to Inter Milan. There he’s wasted no time in establishing himself as the creative fulcrum of Italy’s strongest side. A fine two-footed technician, a pin-point passer and deadly with the final ball, Sneijder is also a free-kick specialist and the undoubted danger man of this potentially enthralling Dutch side.