Japan loom as Netherlands sweat over Verbruggen and midfield

Japan await on Sunday, and the midfield is under the microscope

Ronald Koeman's side face Japan on Sunday in their World Cup opener, with the midfield setup the central talking point (3). The team trained in Kansas City this week in front of hundreds of fans as preparations intensify (7).

Theo Janssen has called for a shake-up in the middle of the park. "If we keep plodding along like this..." he warned, pushing for a more dynamic trio (9). Gerald Vanenburg went further, advocating a switch from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2. "I'm in favour of a different system than the national coach," he said, arguing this team is not strong enough to stick with the current shape (4).

Bert van Marwijk has thrown a surprising name into the mix for the right wing position, insisting Koeman will have it in the back of his mind (1). The right flank remains the puzzle Koeman has yet to solve, and the clock is ticking.

Verbruggen a doubt, Van Dijk untouchable

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is an injury concern ahead of the Japan match, with no clarity yet on whether he will be fit to start (2). The situation has added to the selection questions swirling around the squad.

At the back, one thing is settled: Virgil van Dijk will not be shifted to right centre-back against his will. His status in the national team means Koeman will not force the issue (5).

Malen feeling Memphis shadow

Donyell Malen is struggling to earn Koeman's trust, and Kees Kwakman believes it is because he feels the presence of Memphis Depay looming over him. "He feels Memphis' presence," Kwakman said (8). With the World Cup opener days away, Malen's role remains uncertain.

A record worth protecting

The Netherlands have not lost a World Cup match in regulation time in nearly two decades, a run stretching back to the 2006 battle with Portugal (6). Extra time and penalties have undone Oranje, but in 90 minutes, no one has beaten them at a World Cup since then.

Fan reactions

The mood online is a mix of nerves and impatience. Fans are split on Vanenburg's 4-4-2 idea, with some calling it outdated and others saying it suits the squad better than Koeman's 4-3-3. The Verbruggen injury news has also triggered debate, with many pointing to the lack of an obvious replacement if he misses out. Join the discussion on Reddit.