Netherlands Announce 30-Man Provisional Squad for World Cup in Brazil
The Netherlands have unveiled a 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, with head coach Louis van Gaal naming a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talents. However, there was no room for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Gregory van der Wiel, who has been a regular feature in past campaigns.
The Oranje’s preliminary roster contains no official reserves, meaning all players are in contention for the final 23-man squad, which will be confirmed by 2 June.
Veteran stars Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Dirk Kuyt, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and captain Robin van Persie headline the squad, offering vital tournament experience as the Dutch prepare to travel to South America. Sneijder and Van der Vaart, once the creative heartbeat of the national team, are expected to play pivotal roles if selected in the final squad.
The goalkeeping contingent includes Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), and Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven). Van Gaal has previously rotated his choices in this department, and it remains to be seen who will start between the posts in Brazil.
The defensive lineup features a strong Feyenoord influence, with Terence Kongolo, Stefan de Vrij, Bruno Martins Indi, and Daryl Janmaat all included. Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar and Ajax’s Daley Blind are also among the more experienced defenders, while Karim Rekik (Manchester City) and Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg) offer depth.
In midfield, Nigel de Jong (AC Milan) brings steel, while Jonathan de Guzmán (Swansea), Leroy Fer (Norwich City), and Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord) contribute versatility. Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV), and Sneijder provide creativity and control. Hamburg’s Rafael van der Vaart, despite recent injuries, also features in the squad.
The forward line is led by Manchester United striker Robin van Persie and supported by the likes of Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Memphis Depay (PSV), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kyiv), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), and Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahçe). Promising young attackers Jean-Paul Boëtius (Feyenoord) and Quincy Promes (Twente) also make the list, hinting at Van Gaal’s intent to blend youth with experience.
Van Gaal, who will take over at Manchester United after the tournament, will use the coming weeks to assess player form and fitness before finalising his squad. The Netherlands will be hoping to go one step further than their runners-up finish in South Africa four years ago.
The Dutch are drawn in a tough Group B alongside reigning champions Spain, Chile, and Australia. Their World Cup campaign begins on 13 June against Spain in a rematch of the 2010 final.
