Netherlands set sights on World Cup victory with Cruyff's philosophy

The Netherlands have finished as runners-up on three occasions, the most recent being in 2010. At the previous World Cup in Qatar in 2022, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals on penalties by the eventual champions, Argentina.

This time around, their minimum objective is to reach the semi-finals.

“If that were to happen, everyone would be delighted to agree to it,” said Nigel de Jong, a former Netherlands international who now serves as technical director at the Dutch football association, in an interview with the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper last month.

However, coach Ronald Koeman has already stated his ambition clearly. "Our aim is to win the World Cup," he declared during the international break in March.

Whether Koeman possesses the necessary resources to achieve that remains uncertain.

The Netherlands will depend heavily on midfield playmaker Frenkie de Jong, whose injury troubles at Barcelona have persisted this season. They still regard Memphis Depay as their primary striker, even though his club career has been stalling at Corinthians in Brazil. However, Roma's Donyell Malen has made a strong claim for selection following an impressive second half of the 2025-26 season.

There are also concerns regarding the form of other key players, including Tijjani Reijnders. He began the season promisingly after signing for Manchester City but is no longer a regular starter. Captain Virgil van Dijk has also seen a drop in form, which was evident during a disappointing season with Liverpool.

Injury has sidelined Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons, and there are questions about the fitness of defender Jurrien Timber. A groin issue cut short his season at Arsenal, though he did play for an hour in the UEFA Champions League final.

Koeman, however, believes he has a core group of players who have been together for several years, and that this could work in their favour.

“We have such a positive atmosphere in the squad at the moment that I believe we can maximise our potential in this tournament,” he said.

The Netherlands qualified with relative ease, finishing top of their group, three points clear of Poland and remaining unbeaten.

Their World Cup campaign starts in Group F with a match against Japan on 14 June in Dallas. They will then face Sweden in Houston and Tunisia in Kansas City, where they will be based for the tournament.

Critics have accused Koeman of being too predictable in his tactics. However, the coach has adjusted his formations when needed in recent years, much to the dismay of purists who adhere to the traditional 'Dutch school of football'.

This philosophy emphasises dominant, attacking football in a 4-3-3 formation, which was perfected by their legendary player and coach, Johan Cruyff, and is still followed religiously by most Dutch coaches.

“I have always admired Cruyff for his understanding of the game and his wish to play attractive football, but I was a defender. I had to solve problems, and that shaped my thinking,” said Koeman, who must remain adaptable to reach his goal.