Netherlands

The Netherlands will be one of the pre-tournament favourites and certainly have the ability in their squad to win the trophy. What has failed them in the past is the in-fighting and poor mental attitude of the players, and if they can get that right in South Africa, will be formidable opponents. They have twice been World Cup finalists, in 1974 and 1978, but lost out on both occasions to West Germany and Argentina respectively. Coach: Bert van Marwijk Nickname: The Flying Dutchmen Honours: 1988 European champions Previous World Cup appearances: 8 (1934, 1938, 1970, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006) Best World Cup finish: Finalists (1974, 1978)