Holland will take to the field in the World Cup against Chile on Monday without their record goalscorer - and Robin van Persie's absence creates a curious stat for the Dutch football team.When you think of the Dutch national side, you immediately think of the likes of Marco van Basten, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Edwin van der Sar.
Yet, for the first time in 221 matches, Oranje will line-up for a match without a player whose surname starts with 'Van'.Persie
Vanless: Robin van Persie's (left) suspension means Holland will play without a 'Van' in their side
History: Holland coach Louis van Gaal (right) will field a side without a 'Van' in it for the first time in 221 games
Suspension: Van Persie's ban means there are no 'Vans' for Holland for the first time since May 29, 1996
Absent: Van Persie wipes his forehead during a training session at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo
Fitness: Rafael van der Vaart was forced to withdraw from Holland's World Cup squad through injury Van Persie, who has scored 46 goals in 86 internationals, picked up a yellow card in each of Holland's matches with Spain and Australia, resulting in a one match ban.And, as the Manchester United striker is the only 'Van' in their Brazil World Cup squad, Louis van Gaal's side will start with a vanless XI for the first time in 18 years.The last time the Flying Dutchmen did not have a 'Van' on the field was when they beat China 2-0 on May 29, 1996.Interestingly, Holland will still be managed by a 'Van' in the form of Van Gaal, but he will be unable to name any players bearing that name in his squad for the Chile encounter.
Yet, for the first time in 221 matches, Oranje will line-up for a match without a player whose surname starts with 'Van'.Persie
Vanless: Robin van Persie's (left) suspension means Holland will play without a 'Van' in their side
History: Holland coach Louis van Gaal (right) will field a side without a 'Van' in it for the first time in 221 games
Suspension: Van Persie's ban means there are no 'Vans' for Holland for the first time since May 29, 1996
Absent: Van Persie wipes his forehead during a training session at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo
Fitness: Rafael van der Vaart was forced to withdraw from Holland's World Cup squad through injury Van Persie, who has scored 46 goals in 86 internationals, picked up a yellow card in each of Holland's matches with Spain and Australia, resulting in a one match ban.And, as the Manchester United striker is the only 'Van' in their Brazil World Cup squad, Louis van Gaal's side will start with a vanless XI for the first time in 18 years.The last time the Flying Dutchmen did not have a 'Van' on the field was when they beat China 2-0 on May 29, 1996.Interestingly, Holland will still be managed by a 'Van' in the form of Van Gaal, but he will be unable to name any players bearing that name in his squad for the Chile encounter.
