THE REALITY OF missing out on Euro 2016 will begin to dawn on the Netherlands players over the coming weeks but Daley Blind insists the squad must look forward starting in Dublin tonight.
The Dutch endured a miserable qualifying campaign, failing to finish inside the top three in Group A, and consequently missed out on qualification for a major tournament for the first time since 2002.
A 3-2 defeat to Czech Republic in their final group game was the final nail in the coffin and ended their slim hopes of advancing through the play-offs.
Instead of finalising their preparations for France this week, Danny Blind’s side are using three friendlies to turn their attention to the start of World Cup qualifying in September.
The first of which, against Martin O’Neill’s Ireland this evening, provides the players with a chance to prove their worth and begin to right the wrongs of a forgettable few months.
A 2-1 victory over England at Wembley in March provides grounds for optimism and Daley Blind believes they need to channel their frustration into hitting their straps ahead of September.
“Of course that is frustrating, as a player you want to be there [Euro 2016],” the Man United defender said. “But now we need to look forward. For us, the preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers has already started, that is the way we approach it.
“We need to be there in September.
“I think we’ve met strong opposition in our qualification group, with Iceland, Turkey and the Czech Republic. But we have to look at ourselves. We simply weren’t good enough and need to improve.”
Speaking ahead of tonight’s game at the Aviva Stadium, Blind says he has fond memories of playing against Ireland, with his first cap for the Dutch youth squad coming against the Boys in Green.
“My first cap for the Dutch youth squad was with the U15, and Ireland was our opponent,” he added.
“Kevin Strootman and Georginio Wijnaldum were also in the team. I can’t remember the exact score, but I do remember we won.
“In general I like playing in Irish stadiums: there is always a great atmosphere, the people are chanting 90 minutes long and Irish teams never give up either.
“I’m looking forward to the match tonight.”
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