Eight years ago, Netherlands made the finals of the 2010 World Cup, but has failed to qualify for this edition in Russia. However, Bert van Marwijk who was then coach of the team will be seen in action as manager of the Australia team.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, van Marwijk will be one of the most experienced coaches and the 65-year-old thinks France has a bright chance of lifting the trophy.
"I’m telling you nothing new when I say this is a very difficult group, maybe one of the best at the World Cup. Especially France, and we saw in part of their match against Colombia. They have a very good team and have a big chance of winning the world championship. They have very fast and creative players, are physically strong, and they have one of the best players in the world at the moment in (Kylian) Mbappe. They have a lot of weapons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a result against them," van Marwijk was quoted as saying to FIFA.com
"I prefer not to talk about the other (two) teams (in the same group as Australia) because we are concentrating only one thing, and that is the first game (against France). The goal is to survive the first round, and I think we have a chance, otherwise I wouldn’t do it (the coaching job)," he added.
When asked about his favourite World Cup that made an impact in his life. "I can remember 1966 in England. 1974 in Germany was of course very special, when we came second. I was almost a part of that team, and in 1978 I was nominated but unfortunately I was injured."
Australia is in Group C, along with France, Peru and Denmark as the World Cup gets underway from June 14 to July 15.
Comments
SHARE