Countdown for Oranje in Lausanne

Oranje touched down in Geneva and guided by their welcome committee Marco van Basten led his group to the coach bus taking them to Lausanne. The slogan on the bus this time is a bit more humble than in 2006 (On the way to the title or something): One objective, one vibe, together we are orange (what???)…

There was only a small group of fans to wave the team off to Switzerland.

One of the most photographed players was Robin van Persie. The Arsenal striker is seen by most fans as the secret weapon on our way to the title. And the main question remains: will Van Persie be ready in time for Italy.

Van Persie’s season was a bit of a disaster. He missed much more games than he wanted and the Oranje medical staff has designed a meticulous program for the left footer. When Oranje started their prep on May 20, Van Persie worked alone. Sweating, panting and getting fit. When the group enjoyed a day off after the Wales game, Van Persie was training alone in De Kuip.

At Schiphol, Van Persie seemed confident. “I am ready to start training with the group. And I really look forward to it.” He only has five trainingsdays left to become match fit, but he thinks it will be sufficient.

“My feeling is good. We tested everything we could. Sprints, turn, kicking full throttle with left and right.” Van Persie would really love to play a full warm up game. “I didn’t discuss this with the manager, but I did tell the medical people. Or even a game with the Oranje selection.”

If Van Persie is fit to play Italy, obviously one player will have to make place. Van Basten used Robben – in great form, Van der Vaart – hardworking, and Sneijder – dominant, behind Van Nistelrooy. But the former EC1988 star already hinted that Sneijder could move a line back to direct the game from there.

The last pieces of the puzzle will need to be found in the last week. Van Basten still has some doubts. About the holding midfielders for instance. “I am positive about De Zeeuw and Engelaar. But, playing Italy isn’t the same as playing Wales or Denmark. Nigel de Jong did very well when he came on and then there’s even other options,” he said yesterday. Another option would be moving Heitinga or Gio into a holding position. “Heitinga is very good in that role and that could give me other options at the back.” Van Basten means putting Ooijer in a center back position and getting Melchiot to play right back. “Mario did well all season and Wilfred Bouma was very important for Aston Villa.”

The tough physical training sessions are behind us. The players are all at top fitness level. Now, the tactical elements and automatisms will have to be put in place. At least there are no discussions about the snooker-table pitch in Lausanne the group will use for training.