Netherlands manager Danny Blind says that he is very much looking forward to playing in the spicy World Cup qualification group, which also includes France along with Sweden aside from other teams. Netherlands were in danger of getting a tough group due to the recent plummet in the world rankings. Despite finishing third in the World Cup 2014, the team has been on a downhill path ever since the appointment of Guus Hiddink. After failing to a
rrest the slide of the team for several months, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager announced his resignation a few weeks ago. Blind, who is the father of Manchester United defender Daley Blind, has been appointed as his replacement.
He is straightaway given the task of helping the team do well in the Euro 2016. After this comes the task of getting the national team to the World Cup 2018. This task has been made slightly difficult due to the tough group stages. Apart from opponents like Sweden, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Luxembourg, Netherlands will also be up against France. Didier Deschamps’ has called Netherlands has the favourites to top the group, but Blind will know that France will take some stopping to do. Only the winner of the group will reach the World Cup 2018 directly with the second team having to negotiate a tough play-off.
“These are all good football nations, and France, as former European and world champions, stand out. Because only the winner will qualify directly, it will be a spicy job.Bulgaria and Belarus, from pot four and five, respectively, are not exactly small teams either.On the other hand, though, I know that the others were not hoping for Netherlands as an opponent.And let’s be honest, good opponents only motivate you more,” said Blind, whose first match will be against Iceland.