U.S. coach Bruce Arena welcomes his strongest squad since the 2002 World Cup for tomorrow's clash against the Netherlands as he prepares for 2006 World Cup qualifying while Dutch coach Dick Advocaat is fine-tuning his team for this summer's European Championship in Portugal.
(Netherlands vs. USA, Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Amsterdam, live on ESPN2, 2:30 pm ET)
The Dutch, who won the 1988 European Championship — their only major title — fell in the semifinals in 1992, the quarterfinals in 1996, and the semifinals in 2000. The Oranje will be looking to redeem itself in Portugal after having failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
''This game is our first step toward the Euro finals in Portugal,'' says Advocaat, whose team was drawn into Group D with Germany, the Czech Republic and Latvia. ''I will shape my squad along the way. I consider World Cup quarterfinalist America to be a fine opponent to start our preparation.''
Advocaat coached the Netherlands at the 1994 World Cup, where the Dutch fell to Brazil in the quarterfinals, then coached club ball, including a stint at Glasgow Rangers, to whom he brought U.S. captain Claudio Reyna. Advocaat returned to the Dutch helm after Louis Van Gaal failed to qualify to team for the 2002 World Cup.
Advocaat's roster for the U.S. game includes three players from his 1994 World Cup team — defender Frank DeBoer, forward Marc Overmars and Edwin van der Sar, a backup keeper in 1994 who is now the Dutch starter. It includes eight players from Coach Gus Hiddink's 1998 World Cup team, which fell to Brazil in the semifinals: Van der Sar, Frank de Boer, Jaap Stam, Boudewijn Zenden, Phillip Cocu, Edgar Davids, Pierre van Hooijdonk and Overmars.
Uncapped Ajax defender Nigel de Jong is a last-minute replacement for Barcelona defender Michael Reiziger, who injured his thigh last Sunday. Reiziger's teammate, forward Patrick Kluivert, is also absent because of injury.
Another uncapped Ajax defender, Johnny Heitinga, was called up for the game while Advocaat left out Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Paul Bosvelt.
''I have an extended list of possible candidates,'' Advocaat said, ''so the selection can, and probably will, be different for each friendly match. So players should not be too worried yet.''
The Dutch offense is led by Manchester United star Ruud van Nistlerooy, who scored a hat trick in the 6-0 playoff win over Scotland that clinched European Championship qualification. That win highlighted the talents of youngesters Rafael van der Vaart, 20, and Wesley Sneijder, 19, who scored and assisted on two goals.
''We have to watch carefully to see how the youngsters develop,'' Advocaat said. ''For instance, Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart did very well together in the team against Scotland, but we have to keep on evaluating those options constantly. We also have a number of players who are able to play in different formations with different tactics and playing styles, so we also take our time to select the best possible formation.''
Foward Roy Makaay, who leads Bayern Munich in scoring with 12 league goals after joining the German club on a $25 million transfer last summer from Spain's Deportivo La Coruna, will hope to impress Advocaat after failing to secure a regular spot in the lineup during European Championship qualifying.
DUTCH ROSTER FOR U.S. GAME:
GOALKEEPERS
Edwin van der Sar (Fulham, England)
Ronald Waterreus (PSV, Netherlands)
DEFENDERS
Frank de Boer (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Wilfred Bouma (PSV)
John Heitinga (Ajax)
Nigel de Jong (Ajax)
Jaap Stam (Lazio Roma)
Boudewijn Zenden (Middlesbrough, England)
MIDFIELDERS
Mark van Bommel (PSV)
Phillip Cocu (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Edgar Davids (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Wesley Sneijder (Ajax)
Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax
FORWARDS
Pierre van Hooijdonk (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
Roy Makaay (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Andy van der Meyde (Inter, Italy)
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United, England)
Marc Overmars (Barcelona, Spain)
Arjen Robben (PSV)