2005/06 Netherlands home – Ruud Van Nistelrooy #9 Large

Netherlands 2005-06 Season Overview

The Netherlands national team had an important 2005-06 season, as they prepared for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Under head coach Marco van Basten, the team underwent a transformation, with several experienced players being phased out in favor of young talent. The squad played their final 2006 World Cup qualifiers in late 2005 and engaged in several friendly matches leading up to the tournament.

🇳🇱 2006 World Cup Qualification

The Netherlands had a dominant qualification campaign, going undefeated in UEFA Group 1 with 10 wins and 2 draws from 12 matches. They finished top of the group ahead of Czech Republic and Romania, securing automatic qualification for the World Cup. The team conceded only 3 goals throughout the qualifiers, showcasing their strong defense.

⚽ Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Role

Ruud van Nistelrooy was one of the Netherlands’ key players during this period. The prolific striker, who was playing for Manchester United at the time, scored 6 goals in World Cup qualifying, helping the team secure its place in Germany. His experience and finishing ability made him a central figure in Van Basten’s attack, despite competition from young forwards like Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt.

🌍 Pre-World Cup Friendlies

In early 2006, the Netherlands played several friendly matches to prepare for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. They remained unbeaten in these games, with Van Nistelrooy continuing to be a key part of the attack.

🇳🇱 Netherlands 2005-06 Squad

Goalkeepers

• Edwin van der Sar
• Maarten Stekelenburg
• Henk Timmer

Defenders

• Giovanni van Bronckhorst
• Joris Mathijsen
• André Ooijer
• Kew Jaliens
• Khalid Boulahrouz
• John Heitinga
• Tim de Cler

Midfielders

• Mark van Bommel
• Wesley Sneijder
• Rafael van der Vaart
• Phillip Cocu
• Denny Landzaat
• Hedwiges Maduro
• Nigel de Jong

Forwards

• Ruud van Nistelrooy
• Arjen Robben
• Dirk Kuyt
• Robin van Persie
• Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

Manager

• Marco van Basten

🔶 Legacy of the 2005-06 Season

The Netherlands entered the 2006 FIFA World Cup as an exciting young team with a mix of experience and youth. Ruud van Nistelrooy played a key role in the qualification campaign, but tensions between him and Van Basten arose later in the tournament, which would ultimately lead to the striker’s international career ending after the World Cup. Despite this, the 2005-06 season remains significant for Dutch football, as it marked the emergence of a new generation of players.