Orange alert a possibility

With its mesmerizing one-touch "total football" quick-fire-passing ballet, massive following of colorful fans and propensity for self-destruction, the Netherlands has long been one of the world's most compelling teams. From the legendary Johan Cruyff to current Arsenal star Robin Van Persie, very few nations have produced as many innovative, technically gifted and exciting players over the past 40 years as the Dutch. Yet despite its abundance of talent, the Netherlands has still not won the World Cup. But in South Africa, the Dutch Masters might finally grasp the title that has eluded them for so long.

The Netherlands was the first European team to qualify for South Africa, winning Group 9 by a country mile, sweeping the board with an 8-0-0 record. The team is stacked with playmakers and offensive weapons, but remains prone to injury. With key members of the team being traded during the 2009 summer transfer window (Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar all left Real Madrid), there will be the usual uncertainty surrounding the Dutch players' state of mind, as well as their bodies, as the finals approach. Lack of playing time in a World Cup year is also a potential issue: Playmaker Rafael Van Der Vaart is by no means guaranteed a spot in the starting XI at Real Madrid, Huntelaar will have to fight for time at AC Milan, and youngster Ryan Babel has asked for a move from Liverpool due to his lack of action at Anfield.