How they got here: Finished second to the Czech Republic in Group 3 despite looking generally impressive. Their inability to beat the Czechs meant the play-offs and after losing 1-0 in Glasgow they romped past the Scots 6-0 in the return leg to book their place in the finals.

Manager: Dick Advocaat

Star turn: Falling down with them, particularly up front where Advocaat has problems accommodating all the talent. The team, though, badly needs somebody to take a grip on things and run the show from midfield. Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart have acquired influence but Edgar Davids probably remains the one with the ability to really turn games.

Prospects: If they don't end up flinging food at each other and arguing about tactics back in the hotel they are still capable of mounting a serious challenge. The group winners should have a straightforward enough route to the last four. Anything more would be a surprise but not a huge one.