New-look Oranje ripe for success

By Berend Scholten

Facing two important FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week, Netherlands coach Marco van Basten opted for a few changes even though his team were unbeaten and top of Group 1.

Trio make bows
Debutants Robin van Persie and Theo Lucius came in alongside Hedwiges Maduro, and Romania were duly defeated 2-0 in Rotterdam before Finland fell 4-0 in Helsinki last night. Van Persie, used in each game as a substitute for Ruud van Nistelrooij, was the star in Finland as, arriving for the goalscorer 16 minutes from time and with the Dutch leading 1-0, he made two more then struck the fourth himself.

Van Persie's delight
The 21-year-old attacker said: "Sitting on the bench I saw that it was not a very good match, so to do so well after coming on was very nice. Not only by scoring, but also by making goals. The team is the most important thing, so when you see someone in a better position, you have to give them the ball and vice versa. The World Cup is still far away, but it would be a dream to experience such a big tournament."

Coach's praise
Van Basten was full of praise for both the Arsenal FC man and another of the replacements. "Van Persie performed an excellent substitute's role," he said. "He scored and gave assists, which was terrific. But I also want to compliment Hedwiges Maduro on his contribution. I didn't see a single mistake from him."

Surprise selection
Maduro's selection was a surprise insofar as the 20-year-old defender had made just five senior appearances for AFC Ajax when first picked on 26 March. In addition, he is captaining the Dutch hosts in the FIFA World Youth Championship, starting against Japan on Friday. However, it is the policy of Van Basten not to care about reputation or status, but to make selections on the qualities of the players he thinks he needs.

New possibilities
This means experienced names like Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids and, in Helsinki, Mark van Bommel are left out, and youngsters like Maduro and Van Persie can make their debuts. Even the injury to another newcomer, 28-year-old Lucius, who broke a calf bone early on Wednesday night, made Van Basten see new possibilities.

Ammunition supply
"Of course it was very sad for him and the team," he said. "The only positive was that I had to readjust my defence - an advantage in that other players had the chance to play at this level. This means the ammunition I can choose from gets bigger and bigger, and that suits me. We have a very interesting six months ahead."

'New start'
A survivor of the old guard, Edwin van der Sar, concurred after winning his 100th cap and keeping his 51st clean sheet. "My century was very nice, but not as important as our victory. We took a huge step towards the World Cup. Under Van Basten we have made a new start - we might not be playing the best football all the time, but the important thing is we are winning matches with all these youngsters."

Fine run
Seven wins, one draw, and no goals conceded in five qualifiers, leave Van Basten's side a point clear of the Czech Republic in Group 1, and a draw there on 8 October in the likely group decider could take the Dutch to Germany - scene of the coach's greatest playing triumph in 1988.