Tarick Weber joins us for part 30 of the series. Tarick is 17 years old. He loves his sport - be it football or any thing else. He plays with his mates on the street - cherishing the thrill. He follows the Dutch and English competitions closely, but follows the Dutch national team with even more interest.

I thank Tarick for agreeing to the interview.

Tell us a bit about the Dutch football history and the football culture which exists.

In the 70s, we were awesome in football with Cruyff most important - 2 wc finals, both lost. After that we had our ups and downs in football, but in 1989 we became European champions, most important player being Marco van Basten who is now our headcoach! In the 90’s we played very decent football, with Bergkamp being our top man, best we did is semi final in 1998 in the World Cup in France. In 2000 we lost to Italy in the semi’s of the EC in Holland and Belgium, we could have won easly with 2 penalties which were both missed, I couldn’t believe that we lost!

Dutch football culture is really funny, everyone is orange, and drinks a lot and a lot of beer. Brands do a lot of crazy advertising, very entertaining. Most people either invite a lot of people over and watch the game at home, or go to a bar to watch it on a big screen and have a few beers. Football is the biggest sport in Holland, and you can see that, as everyone follows it closely!

Tell us a bit about the Road to the World Cup – the qualification, and the emotions the fans went through at the time.

The qualification went easier then I expected. We won 2-0 against the Czech republic, a team we’ve had a lot of trouble with over the past few years, we always get them in qualification or big tournaments, and always have trouble with them, luckly for us we don’t have to play them in the group stages this year! Drawing twice against Macadonia was pretty stupid, but the rest was pretty good, not a lot of trouble to get there, it was good for a change to not play play-offs! I guess we had a very easy poule compared to other years.

What style of football does the national team play?

They like to play football which is not very physical, but try playing the ball around and trying to create chances - that’s what football is about. I like it. But you need players who want to work for it, and I think we have a team now that can do that and really wants to work for that ball.

What do you think your country’s prospects are at the World Cup?

We got a squad that likes to work hard, and that’s good - something we’ve missed before. It’s a pretty young squad, so it can go anywhere, but I think we have a good chance to get to the semis. If we survive the group stages, we could get far. Ideally, I’d like to see Holland make a final.

Who will be the most important player for your country?

That’s a tough one, Robben can do big things, but im a little bit dissapointed in him in the pre-WC friendlies. Van Nistelrooy should be able to score us the goals! Robin van Persie I reckon could do very well this World Cup too, he’s a very good midfielder and has been playing well for Arsenal, I reckon he can do that to for Holland.

Which player in your country’s side would you most like to get rid of?

Vennegoor of Hesselink, not a player I rate high, he can score late minute goals, but compared to some other attackers who can play for Holland I dont reckon he should make it! for instance Makaay(Bayern) and Huntelaar(Ajax)

Who are the players to watch from the other countries?

Ronaldinho ofcourse, although I reckon he could have a bad tournament! Messi of Argentina could do some really special things for his country too, England has Gerrard who is one of the best midfielders around. Ivory coast has Koné who plays for PSV and he can be very special!

What will be your excuse in the event of failure?

A young sqaud, with not much international experiance, especially in big tournaments, the ignorance of some very good players, like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, someone who scores 54 goals in a season is pretty special and obviously in good form! Why not select him!

Have you got the right manager?

Yes van Basten let them work hard, and is a fair and strict trainer, but can be very relaxed, and thats something a national manager must do to - don’t overpressure the players.

What advice would you give him?

Select Huntelaar!! Before its to late! Don’t try to always try to solve problems footballing way, but just try to score goals!

Which team do you most want to beat?

Argentina in the group stages and overall Brazil, they'’ve kicked us out sooo many times in WC’s a syndrom we have to get over.

Which opposition player will get the most stick?

Beckham for not being as good as everyone thinks or missing another big chance!

Where will you watch the matches?

In a pub probably with cricket mates! Best way to watch football, few beers some mates, and go!

How keenly will the World Cup be followed in your country?

Very keenly, a lot of people will watch it!

Who will be the player of the tournament?

Messi.

Who will win the Golden Boot?

Adriano could score it - good footballer. Or van Nistelrooy for Holland.

Which team will disappoint the most?

I can see England dissapoint big time! Never been impressed by them.

Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?

Ivory Coast! very good side and underrated.

Finally, Who will win the World Cup?

I fear it will be Brazil again, although i’d love to see someone else win it. As long as its not France!

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For the rest of the interviews, check out the World Cup interview series page.

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