POLITICS

Too many questions

The Dutch have begun asking lots of questions in recent years. Questions about their comprehensive social system, which is burdened by ever-increasing costs. Questions about their economy which - following a revival in the 1990s - has recently begun to sputter. The country's liberal approach to immigration is yet another subject of fierce debate, prompted by the murder by a Muslim extremist of filmmaker Theo van Gogh in late 2004. The economy of this country of 16 million people is now slated for recovery. Elected in 2002, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's center-right coalition adopted major labor market reforms. A blanket social insurance plan took effect at the beginning of this year. Exports are rising, thanks especially to this small country's sizable natural gas reserves. Integrating the immigrant population, however, remains a challenge. "We need to find better forms of coexistence in our country," said Queen Beatrix.

THE SPORT

Sacrificing success

Dutch football had its heyday in the 1970s, when the country reached two successive World Cup Finals. Both times the Oranjes met their match in the host nation, losing to West Germany in 1974 and to the Argentineans - with their flamboyant finisher Mario Kempes - in 1978. The Netherlands' only major title to date has been a 1988 European Championship victory in Germany. Despite stars like Edgar Davids, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Kluivert, the next generation never really delivered on its early promise, and missed out on a berth in Japan and South Korea completely. Europe's ultimate footballing purists, the Dutch often fail to get the results they deserve. But this is accepted in a country that has always demanded attacking flair from its national team. Following Holland's defeat in the 1974 World Cup Final, the team's creative genius Johan Cruyff ventured: "Maybe having an unforgettable team is more important than lifting a trophy."

TEAM AND TACTICS

New faces

Except for two draws against Macedonia, the Dutch won all their 2006 qualifying games. But what really impressed this time was the solidity of a young defense which - anchored by Hamburg's Khalid Boulahrouz and Barry Opdam of AZ Alkmaar - conceded a mere three goals. After its semifinal elimination at Euro 2004, the team underwent a major overhaul, with coach Marco van Basten pinning his hopes on young talent. He brought in winger Arjen Robben (22) of Chelsea and Ryan Babel, a 19-year-old from the Ajax academy. Other additions have included Andy van der Meyde of Everton and Rafael van der Vaart. Currently enjoying an outstanding season with Hamburg, van der Vaart will be tasked with creating chances for Ruud van Nistelrooy. Together with captain Phillip Cocu and veteran keeper Edwin van der Sar, the Manchester United goalgetter forms the backbone of a compact, skillful team.

STAR PLAYER

Ruud van Nistelrooy

He's been the leading goalscorer in both the Netherlands and England. In five seasons with Manchester United, he has chalked up almost 100 league goals. His 47 European Cup finishes place him third in the all-time scorers' list - behind only Raúl and Alfredo Di Stefano. For the national team he has found the net 25 times in 49 games. However, except for one league title with Manchester United, Rutgerus Martinus van Nistelrooy (nicknamed "Van the Man" in England) has yet to win any major silverware. The 6'1" striker who signed for Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven for s19 million in 2001, is a threat in the air and boasts a powerful shot. In his youth, van Nistelrooy regularly traveled from Heerenveen to Amsterdam to study his hero Dennis Bergkamp.