One of the White-Blues delegates is Dutch halfback Jeremain Lens.
Qualifying round
Netherlands went through the qualification, which lasted from September of 2012 till October of 2013, in high gear. Dutch side earned 28 points out of 30 possible and thus won the group (34 goals scored).
Jeremain Lens made 9 appearances among first eleven (749 minutes in total) and missed only the home fixture against Turkey.
He netted five goals and got five assists to his name. He has the second best result in the team according to “goal + assist” system after Robin van Persie (11 goals + 3 assists).
Lens scored brace against Hungary away (1:4) and one goal in home match (+ 3 assists) Netherlands won by the score of 8:1. Jeremain also hit the target in both fixtures against Romania.
Friendlies
Netherlands played 12 friendlies preparing for 2014 World Cup qualification. Dynamo halfback took the field in nine of them (six in the starting lineup) and scored twice – against Italy (1:1) and Wales – (2:0).
As Netherlands faced Colombia on November 19 2013 opponent fouled against Lens very roughly and Jeremain pushed him in the face. He was sent off for that. After the game Holland head coach Louis van Gaal stated that Lens should be more restrained.
Jeremain Lens’ quotations
About chances to be Netherlands first team regular at the World Cup: “I performed a lot in qualification, but that doesn’t mean anything. If we play with two strikers it’s clear that Robben and van Persie will feature. Maybe the situation will change. I must believe in it”.
About Netherlands tactical scheme: “I familiarized myself with the new scheme as I came to the national team camp. Anyway the number of attacking players will remain the same”.
About mutual understanding with teammates: “We understand each other intuitively as we’ve been playing in the same manner since childhood”.
About Louis van Gaal: “His teams play smart football through 90 minutes even when opponents create pressure. Van Gaal achieved success with Barcelona, Bayern Munich an AZ Alkmaar. His results tell their own tale”.
About personal tasks for 2014 World Cup: “I worked hard at the national team camp. My aim is to perform at the contest”.
About the World Cup favorites: “I think Germany and Spain have pretty good chances. Still I think we are also able to win the World Cup”.
