Despite being a relatively small country with a small population, the Oranje's footballing pedigree is so rich that they were often billed alongside Spain as the cream of Europe's wasted talent - particularly as their European Championship win of 1988 recedes further in the memory.
For the Dutch, Euro 2008 seemed to reinforce the old cliche: stunning group wins against Italy (3-1) and France (4-1) were followed by a 1-3 reverse against an Andrei Arshavin-inspired Russia and yet another disappointingly limp exit from a major tournament.
This is a Holland side full of class. And their coach Bert van Marwijk has already insisted: "If I had the slightest idea that we could not win the World Cup, I would just stay at home."
Their unfussy progress to South Africa demonstrates they are strong unit who will not be afraid of any side.
Norway and Scotland were both beaten 1-0 away - and other than that, the Dutch netted at least twice in every qualifying game.
Nigel de Jong has shored up the Manchester City midfield in the 2009-10 season. His tackling and distribution can free Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben to cause mayhem in the opposition's half.
Arguably it's impossible to win any big tournament without an accomplished holding midfielder in the mould of De Jong.
Defender Johnny Heitinga is well known to British football fans following his summer 2009 move from Atletico Madrid to Everton, with Andre Ooijer a tough competitor at the back. Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst provides a threat in attack from full-back.
But like England's Glen Johnson, a question mark remains against van Bronckhorst's defensive capabilities.
In attack, their quality and pace is second to none. Robin van Persie continues to progress at Arsenal, despite his serious ankle injury which ruled him out for much of the 2009-10 campaign, while the ever-industrious Dirk Kuyt personifies their new-found work ethic.
As the coach himself insists, there's no reason why Van Marwijk's steely, talented side can't go all the way.
