Exclusive: Daley Blind discusses Netherlands' World Cup chances and the heartbreak of 2014 and 2022

Blind featured in every match for the Netherlands during the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, scoring two goals and providing four assists across both tournaments.

Both tournaments concluded identically for the defender and his country, with Argentina defeating them on penalties in the semi finals in Brazil and in the quarter finals in Qatar. Featuring a remarkable late Netherlands equaliser, heated confrontations and contentious officiating, the 2022 clash became a World Cup classic.

Four years later, the 36 year old will observe from the sidelines as Oranje aim to finally secure the world title.

Daley, let us talk about the World Cup. The Netherlands are frequently considered the dark horse in tournaments, not always the top favourite, but consistently dangerous. How do you rate them against Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, and France? Do you think the Netherlands can win the World Cup?

"Yes. As a Dutch player heading into the World Cup, you always believe you can win. Otherwise, there is no point in going. You do not go there just to play matches, you go to compete and try to win it.

"I think many players in the national team now are competing in top leagues and playing for major clubs, so I believe it is a very well balanced squad, and everyone has a chance.

"I think many countries do not enjoy playing against the Netherlands, so we will see. I am very curious and will follow it with great interest."

Let us go back four years to that mad match against Argentina. What do you remember about it?

"I think it was a very interesting match. Some insane things happened during that game that will never be forgotten. There were moments we could discuss endlessly, but I will steer clear of that...

"It is really sad, because I lost to Argentina on penalties twice in the World Cup, so I did not really lose the game. Penalties are like a lottery, you can win or lose. Being eliminated from the World Cup twice on penalties is a horrible feeling... Sometimes you think you would rather lose 3-0 because then you simply have no chance, but we had a chance every time. We also had big opportunities in the match, and losing on penalties is painful.

"Every time we played in the World Cup, I thought something special could happen if we had won on penalties, but you never know. It is what it is. It is a gamble, and it was a great experience to be able to play in the World Cup, and this particular match was a crazy one."

How would you describe Ronald Koeman as a manager and coach?

"I think he is a good coach. He has already proven himself at various clubs earlier in his career.

"He has always been very honest with me about his plans, about what he expected from me and what he expects from players, so I have always had good experiences with Koeman."

Regarding leadership, how crucial is Virgil van Dijk for this team?

"I think in the national team now, there are many players who are very important.

"Virgil is, of course, one of them. He is a big leader, for many years at Liverpool and also for the national team, but I think there are leaders in every part of the Netherlands team, for example Frenkie de Jong, who is maybe a bit quieter but really a leader, and Memphis Depay can be a leader up front. So in every area, you have players who are very important.

"It is a team that many countries would not like to play against, and I hope they do well, and I am really curious to see that."

Follow the Netherlands' opening World Cup match with Flashscore.