Euro Qualifying Preview: Netherlands – BulgariaWhat: Euro 2008 Qualifier, Group G
Who: Netherlands (3rd, Group G, 14/18 pts) v Bulgaria (2nd, Group G, 15/21 Pts)
When: Saturday, September 8, 2007, kick-off 20:30 (CET)
Where: Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam All Is ForgottenThe Dutch camp have been far from harmonious in recent times, issues stretching back for nearly three years setting the backdrop to many high-profile rows between manager Marco van Basten and several well-known players.
When the Dutch legend took over the national squad in 2004, wholesale changes were abound, out went the old and in came the new. Those thrust into the shadows were Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf and Roy Makaay. It was a brave decision from the manager, as the stars were fading on the pitch but were still highly revered by the Dutch fan base.
The most high-profile spat came when van Basten dropped Ruud van Nistelrooy for the World Cup 2006 Round of 16 match against Portugal. The Real Madrid striker had already been substituted in each of the three group stage games, but to be dropped for the first elimination round was too much for the former Manchester United star to take.
Van Nistelrooy subsequently declared he would never play for a Dutch team managed by van Basten, however the pair have now reconciled their differences and the striker is back in the frame for a starting place, however the feeling is that this is more van Basten’s wish than the player’s.
The Dutch have struggled for goals so far in this qualifying campaign, only netting 8 times in their 6 outings. For a squad blessed with so many attack-minded players, the haul represents a disappointment. The game against Bulgaria is likely to be equally frustrating as The Lions are notoriously difficult to break down.
Manager van Basten is philosophical about the side’s chances to progress to the finals next summer: "We aren't worse than Bulgaria or Albania. We just have to make sure that the results reflect that. I'm very confident it will,” he said
"These are the matches that you look forward to. First of all because both matches are important for us but also because it has been a while since we played our last qualifying game.
"Our goal is clear. We have to qualify for the European Championships, that is the main issue. First we meet Bulgaria and that is a key match. Four days later we meet Albania.
"Once we've played those matches unscathed, we have made a big leap towards the tournament because it means there will be a gap between us and the Bulgarians. We have a very interesting, young group of players and we are progressing together. Compared to three years ago, the group has made a lot of progression.”
Strength In UnityNot since the heady days of the Hristo Stoichkov era have Bulgaria amassed a team capable of pulling off world-beating performances. The new crop of talent are emerging, mixing well with already established stars such as Dimitar Berbatov and Martin and Stliyan Petrov The Bulgarian national team have perhaps their strongest squad since the golden era when the team reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1994.
But since the retirement of Stoitchkov and stars like Iordan Letchko and Krassimir Balakov, they have struggled to emulate the success of 1994. The Bulgarians have failed to make it to the finals of every major international tournament since then, apart from in Euro 2004, where they lost all of their group games.
But times have changed and Bulgaria are once on the trail of international success. They currently sit second in Group G and look to be on course for qualifying for Euro 2008, having not yet lost a match.
Manager Dimitar Penev returns to the Bulgaria set-up for a competitive match for the first time in over a decade on Saturday. The game against the Netherlands could prove vital in Bulgaria’s bid to make it to the finals of Euro 2008, with the team sitting just one point ahead of their opponents in Group G, who have a one game advantage.
Penev expects a testing night at the Amsterdam ArenA: "The current crop of Dutch players are fantastic," said the former PFC CSKA Sofia coach. "They have some of the brightest stars in the world, with players at the best clubs in Europe. They could form a great side even if they drew only from the Eredivisie.
"That said, a draw on Saturday would not be a good result for us. I want to win and we will go there to win. We need points to make amends for the home draw against Albania earlier this year."
In their 6 games so far, Holland have only conceded twice, however Penev is not concerned that his attack will be up against it: "We have no fear," he insisted. "There is no such thing as an invincible team and while we respect them this does not mean we are afraid. On the contrary, we will be more motivated."
FORM GUIDE Netherlands22 August v Switzerland (A) LOST 2-1
6 June v Thailand (A) WON 3-1
2 June v South Korea (A) WON 2-0
28 March v Slovenia (A) WON 1-0
23 March v Romania (H) DREW 0-0
Bulgaria22 August v Wales (H) LOST 1-0
6 June v Belarus (H) WON 2-1
2 June v Belarus (A) WON 2-0
28 March v Albania (H) DREW 0-0
6 February v Latvia (H) WON 2-0
TEAM NEWSNetherlandsThere’s stellar news for van Basten on the injury front, only Rafael van der Vaart, who had to pull out with a calf problem, causes a problem.
The main concern for the coach is who to pick as his starting XI. The match dictates a game focused on pace and skill, so the likes of van Persie, Huntelaar and Babel will almost certainly see action at some point.
The big question mark hangs over whether Ruud van Nistelrooy can secure a starting place in his first competitive match since the 2006 World Cup, and if he does, how he will perform under van Basten.
Squad: Goalkeepers: van der Sar (Manchester United), Stekelenburg (Ajax), Timmer (Feyenoord).
Defenders: Boulahrouz (Sevilla), Bouma (Aston Villa), Emanuelson (Ajax), Heitinga (Ajax), Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Mathijsen (SV Hamburg), Melchiot (Wigan Athletic), Ooijer (Blackburn Rovers).
Mifdielders: Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), de Jong (SV Hamburg), Landzaat (Wigan Athletic), Seedorf (AC Milan), Sneijder (Real Madrid), van der Vaart (SV Hamburg), de Zeeuw (AZ Alkmaar).
Forwards: Babel (Liverpool), Huntelaar (Ajax), Kuyt (Liverpool), van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), van Persie (Arsenal), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic).
BulgariaAfter a short period on the sidelines through injury, Tottenham striker and all-round Bulgarian hero Dimitar Berbatov makes a return to action. During his few appearances in the Premiership this season he’s looked a forlorn character, so all eyes will be on him to see if he’s up to the task.
Rising star of Bulgarian football, Valeri Bojinov, is not available for selection for more or less 5 months, after being involved in a heavy challenge with Manchester United’s Patrice Evra. The knee ligament damage he sustained means that Bulgaria will have to qualify without him.
In Bojinov’s absence coach Dimitar Peney will call on the services of youngster Ivelin Popov who’s been in good nick with Litex Lovech of late.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Ivankov (Kayzerispor), Petkov (Levski Sofia).
Defenders: Nikolov (Litex Lovech), Angelov (Energie Cottbus), Tunchev (CSKA Sofia), Kishishev (Leicester), Wagner (Levski Sofia), Tomasic (Levski Sofia), Milanov (Levski Sofia), Zanev (Celta Vigo).
Midfielders: Petrov (Aston Villa), Dimitrov (CSKA Sofia), Yankov (Hannover 96), Telkiyski (Levski Sofia), Peev (Amkar Perm), Popov (Litex Lovech).
Forwards: Petrov (Manchester City), Berbatov (Tottenham), Kushev (Amkar Perm), Yovov (Levski Sofia).
PLAYERS TO WATCH Netherlands – Wesley Sneijder: As part of Real Madrid’s Dutch revolution, Sneijder has hit a good patch of form ahead of the qualifiers and will look to add to his international tally of 6 goals from 35 appearances. If the 23-year-old can avoid getting bogged down in a physical battle in the middle, he will orchestrate proceedings sat just behind the front line. Although width will be the priority of Holland, Sneijder’s ability to roam will prove useful as he can draw defenders onto him and wreak havoc with well-timed passing.
Bulgaria – Martin Petrov: The Manchester City winger has been a mainstay of the national team for over 8 years and has grown to become not only a solid playmaker alongside namesake Stiliyan, but also the scorer of key goals, notably blasting 2 in as many minutes past a bewildered Romania at the start of this game. Bulgaria are likely to be on the back-foot for much of the game, so much depends on Petrov’s eye for a pass and his notoriously vicious left foot.
PREDICTION Netherlands 2-1 BulgariaAlthough Bulgaria look one of the stronger teams in the group, Holland are likely to overpower the backline. Known for their swift, on-the-ground style of play, the Dutch won’t be easy to draw into a physical game. The width of the set-up, along with attack orientated full-backs mean that Holland will use their pace to outwit the Bulgarians. The visitors are likely to craft a few openings and with the likes of Berbatov and Petrov present, should convert one, but the home side will be too strong on the day.
მიმაგრებული სურათი
· 
ჰოლანდიური ფეხბურთის ფანკლუბი, HUP HOLLAND
