Van Gaal names Netherlands World Cup squad
Saturday, May 31, 2014
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Louis van Gaal said it had been an "emotional morning" after naming his 23-man Netherlands squad for the FIFA World Cup, Patrick van Aanholt among those left out.
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Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Vitesse defender Patrick van Aanholt has been left out, while Feyenoord's Terence Kongolo, who can play left-back or in the centre of defence, has been included. Jean-Paul Boëtius, Quincy Promes, Karim Rekik, Tonny Trindade de Vilhena and Jeroen Zoet are the five other players in Van Gaal's provisional squad who do not make the final cut. Kevin Strootman and Rafael van der Vaart miss out through injury.
"It was an emotional and impressive morning," said Van Gaal, who will become Manchester United FC manager after the tournament. "This morning I have spoken to the six players [who miss out] personally. I am really satisfied with the commitment of those who will be involved and I am proud of all their efforts."
Feyenoord are the most represented club, with five players, ten men in all plying their trade in the Eredivisie. The Premier League contributes five players, including Manchester United's Robin van Persie. Only seven of the squad that reached the 2010 World Cup final are involved. The Oranje face Spain, Australia and Chile in Group B.
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (AFC Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcaste United FC), Michel Vorm (Swansea City AFC).
Defenders: Daley Blind (AFC Ajax), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Joël Veltman (AFC Ajax), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa FC), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord).
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Leroy Fer (Norwich City FC), Jonathan De Guzman (Swansea City AFC), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray AŞ), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).
Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahçe SK), Jeremain Lens (FC Dynamo Kyiv, Robin van Persie (Manchester United FC), Arjen Robben (FC Bayern München).