Former Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal does not expect the inconsistent Dutch to reach the last four at Euro 2004, which starts today. He said: "Their chances depend on the various personalities putting themselves at the service of the team. That's why I don't expect them to reach the semi-finals."
The Dutch have a history of discord in their camp ahead of major championships and it has been no different this time with midfielder Clarence Seedorf saying only last week that he would refuse to play anywhere other than behind the front two. Seedorf is injured and will miss their opening Group D match against Germany on Tuesday but his demands could not have been met as coach Dick Advocaat has changed tactics after the front pairing of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert failed.
The Dutch will start with wingers and use Van Nistelrooy alone up front, a change Van Gaal applauded even though the former Ajax Amsterdam and Barcelona coach said he understood Advocaat's attempts to play a midfield diamond formation.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
