MADRID, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands faces one of the toughest groups at the World Cup alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, with Ronald Koeman's side aiming to make a deep run in the tournament.
Koeman has again built his squad around goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, veteran defender Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Frenkie de Jong, while Memphis Depay remains an important figure in attack.
Cody Gakpo will look to repeat the form he showed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Dutch recovered from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with eventual champion Argentina before losing on penalties.
Jeremie Frimpong missed out after a disappointing season with Liverpool, while Xavi Simons is sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman also failed to make the squad amid his difficult relationship with Koeman despite being named Eredivisie player of the season.
STAR PLAYER: Frenkie de Jong
Virgil van Dijk remains vital in defense and from attacking set pieces, but De Jong is the heartbeat of the Dutch midfield. The FC Barcelona midfielder provides defensive cover while also dictating play with his passing range and vision.
Injuries have disrupted his season, although that could leave him fresher than many rivals this summer.
ONE TO WATCH: Wout Weghorst
Weghorst may not be the most elegant striker, but at nearly two meters tall he remains a constant threat. The forward is unlikely to start regularly, yet his aerial ability and strength make him an important option if the Netherlands needs to chase games late in matches.
JAPAN
Japan's recent World Cup history suggests Hajime Moriyasu's side is capable of reaching the knockout stage once again.
Japan has advanced from the group stage four times and was unfortunate not to go further in Qatar, where only a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia denied it a place in the quarterfinals.
Defending set pieces remains a concern, but Japan recently earned an impressive friendly win over England at Wembley. The Japanese league's decision to replace drawn matches with penalty shootouts also reflects the country's determination to improve in decisive moments after the disappointment of four years ago.
STAR PLAYER: Ritsu Doan
With Kaoru Mitoma ruled out through injury, Ritsu Doan has the opportunity to become the focal point of the Japanese attack.
The Eintracht Frankfurt winger is known for cutting inside from the right flank and unleashing powerful left-footed shots. He scored against both Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup and brings vast international experience with 11 goals in 64 appearances.
ONE TO WATCH: Takefusa Kubo
Takefusa Kubo has extensive European experience after spells linked to both Barcelona and Real Madrid before establishing himself at Real Sociedad.
The winger adds balance and creativity to Japan's attack and possesses the acceleration and finishing ability to change games quickly. A hamstring injury sidelined him for two months earlier this year, but he should arrive at the tournament well rested.
SWEDEN
Sweden's qualification for the World Cup came as a surprise after a disappointing qualifying campaign in which it failed to win a game in a group featuring Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia.
However, strong UEFA Nations League performances earned Sweden a playoff route, where it defeated Ukraine and Poland after former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham United coach Graham Potter took charge.
Potter has several dangerous attacking options in Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga, although elsewhere Sweden will rely heavily on organization and discipline.
STAR PLAYER: Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres initially struggled to adapt following his move to Arsenal, but the striker still finished the season with 14 Premier League goals as the London club won the title.
Strong in the air, difficult to handle physically and reliable from the penalty spot, Gyokeres will be the focal point of Sweden's attack.
ONE TO WATCH: Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak's big-money transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool dominated headlines last summer, but his first season at Anfield was disrupted by inconsistent form and a serious ankle injury that included a fractured fibula.
The striker has only recently returned to fitness, but his talent is unquestioned. If he rediscovers the form he showed at Newcastle and Real Sociedad, Sweden will have one of the tournament's most dangerous forwards.
TUNISIA
Tunisia enters the World Cup ranked 41st by FIFA and will again embrace its role as an underdog.
The Eagles of Carthage qualified for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments and are known for their physical style and defensive discipline, forcing opponents to work hard for chances.
Coach Sabri Lamouchi took charge following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The former France international previously coached Cote d'Ivoire and also worked with Rennes, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.
Tunisia topped its qualifying group with nine wins and one draw, scoring 22 goals without conceding, although the level of opposition this summer will be significantly stronger than Namibia, Liberia, Malawi and Sao Tome and Principe.
STAR PLAYER: Ellyes Skhiri
Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ellyes Skhiri has become one of Tunisia's key players through his consistency and tactical intelligence.
The 79-cap international shields the defense and controls the rhythm of games from midfield, even if his work often goes unnoticed.
ONE TO WATCH: Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri heads to the World Cup after suffering Premier League relegation with Burnley, but the former Manchester United prospect remains one of Tunisia's most gifted players.
He is expected to partner Skhiri in midfield, with his energetic box-to-box style complementing the veteran's positional discipline. ■
