The Netherlands

If the under-achieving Dutch are to be a major force at the Euro 2004 finals much will depend on their opening encounter with Germany and a re-match with qualification bogey team the Czech Republic.

The Dutch have not suffered defeat against arch-rivals Germany since a friendly in 1996, but have not faced them in a major tournament since the European Championship in 1992.

Coach Dick Advocaat's midfield needs attention, with Davids failing to carry out instructions on several occasions, and he will need help from his assistant Wim van Hanegem. But a forward line of Van Nistelrooy, Patrick Kluivert, Roy Makaay, and Robben Arjen needs no introduction.

Advocaat's squad must avoid the self-destructive squabbling which has marred previous campaigns, Euro 1996 being a prime example.

If they manage that, and avoid any slips against group outsiders Latvia, the Netherlands could make a long-overdue impression on a major tournament.

Reuters

Best performance: Winners in 1988

Recent performances:
1980 Round one
1984 Did not qualify
1988 Winners
1992 Semi-finals
1996 Quarter-finals
2000 Semi-finals

SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: 1-Edwin van der Sar (Fulham), 13-Ronald Waterreus (PSV Eindhoven), 23-Sander Westerveld (Real Sociedad)

Defenders: 2-Michael Reiziger (Barcelona), 18-Johnny Heitinga (Ajax Amsterdam), 3-Jaap Stam (Lazio), 15-Frank de Boer (Rangers), 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona), 4-Wilfred Bouma (PSV Eindhoven)

Midfielders: 11-Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax Amsterdam), 14-Wesley Sneijder (Ajax Amsterdam), 8-Edgar Davids (Barcelona), 20-Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan), 6-Philip Cocu (Barcelona), 22-Boudewijn Zenden (Middlesbrough), 21-Paul Bosvelt (Manchester City)