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Netherlands keep faith in Blind, Van Persie for 2018 WC Qualifiers

Netherlands keep faith in Blind, Van Persie for 2018 WC QualifiersCoach Danny Blind and star striker Robin van Persie will both be part of the Netherlands squad in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, according to the latest reports.

The former Ajax legend lost three of four Euro 2021 qualifiers since replacing Guus Hiddink, meaning he has got to take the blame for Oranje missing out on the tournament finals.

Nevertheless, the national team chief Bert van Oosteveen has made it clear that Blind will continue as the Netherlands head coach.

“Blind will keep going as coach,” van Oosteveen told NOS. “We have entered a process together, but everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

“The match against the Czechs is symptomatic of the whole qualifying campaign. We, as the KNVB, take responsibility for this staff and that means that Blind will be allowed to build for the future.

“We started with a fairly young team and the national coach must keep going to assist that process. If I had felt that I was the reason for this situation, I would be long gone. We continue together.”

Meanwhile, star forward Robin van Persie, who was stripped of the captain’s armband by Danny Blind, is adamant he wants to remain a part of the national team.

“I’m not one to run away from difficult situations, I won’t do so now either,” Van Persie explained to De Telegraaf.

“We will have to bite, for almost a year, on a very sour apple and we must all go through it – the players, the fans, the media, everyone.

“A lot has happened, I’m going to have a quiet think about it. But as I see it now, I’ll just stay available. I still think it’s a great honor to play for Oranje. In good, but also in bad times.

“I’m not someone who runs away from his responsibilities in difficult situations. Giving up is not an option. Though of course it depends on whether I am called.”

Netherlands have been placed in Group A of the European Zone of 2018 World Cup qualifiers, alongside France, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belarus and Luxembourg, so no doubts they face a difficult job of qualifying.

Meanwhile, 2014 World Cup winners Germany have been made favourites to go all the way at Euro 2021, with Die Mannschaft priced at 4.35 (87/20).

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