Netherlands are lining up without a ‘Van’ in their team for the first time in 20 years.
Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie is the only ‘Van’ in the World Cup squad – selected, of course, by Louis Van Gaal – and is suspended for this evening’s Group B decider against Chile.
The last time there was not a single ‘Van’ on the teamsheet was a Euro 96 warm-up game against China.
Since then, the Netherlands have played 221 game each with at least one ‘Van’ on the teamsheet. In that time, they have been able to call upon the likes of Edwin Van Der Saar and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Current options include right-back Gregory Van Der Wiel, who would be in the squad if he wasn’t injured, plus Rafael Van Der Vaart and Marco Van Ginkel, who were both cut from Van Gaal’s preliminary squad.
Hans Van Breukelen, Willy and Rene Van Der Kerkhof and Mark Van Bommel are among the prominent ‘Vans’ of previous Netherlands squads.
Here are highlights from the last ‘Van-less’ game.
