\n
Can be done 3 times world cup<\/span> Runners-up Netherlands finally win the biggest award in soccer history?<\/p>\nThe Dutchman is one of the strongest in the tournament, having lost back-to-back finals in 1974 and 1978, and again in 2010.<\/p>\n
Holland was drawn Sweden<\/span>Japan and Tunisia in Group F.<\/p>\nThey will be favorites to win their group, but there are potential pitfalls as well – especially Japan, who surprised Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup.<\/p>\n
Netherlands<\/h2>\n
The Netherlands, which created so-called ‘Total Football’ in the 1970s, have always been in the spotlight, but it was never enough to get them over the line at the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Coach Ronald Koeman is in his second year as national team manager and is keen to end the wait for his home country.<\/p>\n
He won the European Championship with the Netherlands in 1988, achieved major accolades as a player, and finished runners-up in the Nations League in 2019, his last spell as manager.<\/p>\n
Netherlands can call up Premier League stars virgil van dijk<\/span>Ryan Gravenbirch, Tijani Reinders and Kodi Gakpo, but are perhaps missing some of the top-level talent of the previous generation.<\/p>\nJapan<\/h2>\n
Japan is aiming to advance to the group stage for the third consecutive time in their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. <\/p>\n
it was The first team to qualify<\/span> Countries other than the three host countries secured their spots in this tournament with three games remaining.<\/p>\nThey produced two of the biggest upsets at the last World Cup in Qatar, defeating Germany and Spain in the group stage, but they have never advanced beyond the last 16.<\/p>\n
Most of the Japanese national team, including Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito and Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma, play in Europe.<\/p>\n
Sweden <\/h2>\n
The Swedes came through the back door, but needed all the help they could get to make the playoffs. <\/p>\n
Sweden failed to win a game and finished last in their qualifying group, but only their performance in the 2024-2025 Nations League ensured a place in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Under new manager Graham Potter, who was looking to revive his career after being sacked by Chelsea and West Ham in recent years, the Swedes advanced by beating Ukraine and Poland in the play-offs.<\/p>\n
Sweden’s troubles in qualifying were unexpected as they have two of Europe’s top strikers in Alexander Isak and Viktor G\u00f6keres.<\/p>\n
Other top players include Lucas Bergvall and Anthony Elanga. <\/p>\n
Sweden, who were runners-up in 1958, advanced to the semifinals the last time the World Cup was held in the United States in 1994, and will have fond memories of the United States.<\/p>\n
tunisia<\/h2>\n
Tunisia will aim to advance to the group stage for the first time in their seventh World Cup appearance.<\/p>\n
Four years ago, at the Qatar tournament, they defeated defending champion France 1-0, drew with Denmark and finished third in their group, almost breaking their winning streak.<\/p>\n
Following Tunisia’s disappointing early exit in the Round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations, Sami Trabelsi was replaced by Sabri Lamouchi as coach. <\/p>\n
Khalil Ayari, 21, joined Paris Saint-Germain this season and has recently broken into the national team. <\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP World Cup coverage: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/fifa-world-cup<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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