Dutch opt for consistency

By Theo Ruizenaar and Svend Frandsen

Another chapter will be added to the colourful history of matches between the Netherlands and Argentina in Amsterdam tonight as the Dutch aim to continue their revival since missing out on the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Highly-anticipated encounter
It will be the seventh time the two powerhouses of the world game have met with Dick Advocaat's side looking to preserve their edge over the South Americans, having lost only one match of their highly anticipated encounters. Of course, that one match was no less than the 1978 FIFA World Cup final when Argentina captured the prestigious trophy with a 3-1 victory after extra time in a dramatic final in Buenos Aires.

Familiar performers
The Dutch had to wait until 1998 to restore a measure of pride when Dennis Bergkamp's fantastic injury-time goal sent the Netherlands through to the semi-finals of the World Cup in France at Argentina's expense. Seven of the Dutch starting XI from that match (Michael Reiziger, Frank de Boer, Ronald de Boer, Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Jaap Stam and Phillip Cocu) are in the squad for tonight's match which illustrates the high degree of consistency within the Dutch camp.

Impressive form
Since Advocaat took over from Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands have rediscovered their form with 3-0 victories over Belarus and, more impressively, Austria in Vienna, leaving them well placed to qualify for UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal. Advocaat is clearly hoping that a tough test against an Argentinian side packed with top-class international players will provide him with some answers before the crucial qualifying match against the Czech Republic at the Feyenoord stadium on 29 March.

Overmars omitted
Advocaat already seems to have provided some answers of his own. The charismatic coach omitted the FC Barcelona winger Marc Overmars from his squad which is perhaps an indication that he is keen to work with players who have already served under him during his spells at PSV Eindhoven and Rangers FC. "I spoke to Marc on the phone, and I made clear that there was no reason for me to change the composition of the selection," Advocaat said. "He is still a candidate as a winger, but he has to prove that he is better than the others in my selection."

Keeping faith
Instead, Advocaat is putting his faith in players such as Ronald de Boer and Fernando Ricksen of Rangers and Barcelona's Reiziger, who are struggling to maintain regular places in their respective club sides and consequently seem far from their best form. However, a place in tonight's starting lineup may help heal any damaged egos and restore the confidence of these experienced campaigners.

Results speak for themselves
Advocaat's selection strategy has prompted criticism in the Dutch press which has been pushing the claims of some younger players such as AFC Ajax's Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie of Feyenoord, who both impressed during last weekend's draw in the Eredivisie. However, results so far have spoken for themselves and a win against Marcelo Bielsa's side will no doubt go some way to silence even Advocaat's strongest critics and would be the perfect platform for the Netherlands to re-launch their EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign.