Holland

Despite dominating Europe on club level in the ‘70s, the Dutch national side had only managed to qualify twice for the final phase of a European Championship. Dutch fans and media alike have often criticized Van Basten’s work, but results are there to elect him as one of the most successful national side coaches ever. Perhaps what the Oranje faithful find especially hard to live with is the fact this team has progressed not by scoring, but rather by not conceding goals.

The Netherlands conjured up a mere 15 strikes in their 12 qualifiers, the worst offensive record amongst all 16 sides who earned their place in the final phase on the field. On the other hand, they only allowed in five goals, as few as the Czech Republic and France; strangely enough, two attack-minded sides themselves. It's very un-Dutch - but it's working.

Milan star Clarence Seedorf cited his poor relationship with Van Basten as the reason behind his decision to pull out, as had Mark van Bommel before him.

Seedorf and Van Bommel are not the only Dutch internationals to have spoken against the 43-year-old coach. Ruud van Nistelrooy and his Real Madrid teammate Arjen Robben had also fell out with the next Ajax boss, who will leave his place on the Oranje bench to reigning Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk at the end of the tournament.

Nonetheless, Dutch are definitely capable of making it all the way -on one condition: to survive the “Group of Death.”