Netherlands focus on Japan as World Cup quest begins

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman acknowledges the significant self-imposed pressure on his team to achieve success at the World Cup, but insists their immediate focus remains solely on their opening Group F match against Japan.

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We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We want to go far in the tournament. We have a strong team and we know what we need to improve to have a real chance. But we need to take it one game at a time. We need to focus first on Japan, which will be a difficult game.

"We put a lot of pressure on ourselves," Koeman told reporters. "We want to go far in the tournament. We have a strong team and we know what we need to improve to have a real chance. But we need to take it one game at a time. We need to focus first on Japan, which will be a difficult game."

The Dutch have reached the World Cup final three times previously, most recently in 2010, but have fallen short on each occasion. Despite being among the leading contenders again for this edition, Koeman is drilling into his squad the importance of a step-by-step approach.

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The last couple of days we have told the players how we will be starting, but I prefer not to share this with you.

Adding to their confidence, key striker Memphis Depay has been declared fully fit and is in contention to start Sunday's match. Koeman confirmed that the team's starting lineup has been decided, though he opted not to reveal it publicly. "Memphis is fit and will be able to start the game (if selected)," Koeman stated. "His fitness has improved over the past 10 days... He is an important player and has been for a very long time. He is a key part to our possible success in this tournament."

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Memphis is fit and will be able to start the game (if selected). The past 10 days, from the start of our preparations, his fitness has improved. Things are looking good, he is an important player and has been for a very long time. He is a key part to our possible success in this tournament.

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is also fit to play, with Koeman outlining his preference among the three goalkeepers in the squad: Verbruggen, Mark Flekken, and Robin Roefs. Koeman expressed respect for Japan's offensive capabilities and physical strength, stating, "We are not afraid of our opponent, but we respect them."

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Verbruggen is able to play, he trained yesterday and today with the group. The second goalkeeper is Mark Flekken and the third is Robin Roefs.