Tokyo, July 20, 2006: The Netherlands' provisional squad of 18 players for the women's World Championship in Japan includes no fewer than nine with previous experience at the FIVB's quadrennial showpiece.
Of these nine, middle blockers Ingrid Visser (Tenerife, Spain) has appeared in 20 World Championship matches, and Francien Huurman (Pioneer Red Wings, Japan) has played in 16.
Visser and setter Riette Fledderus (Tortoli, Italy) also have Olympic experience, having both played eight times for the Netherlands in Summer Games campaigns. Ten of the squad play for HCCnet/Martinus.
"All of the team members have played for the national team before," says Anne van Baal, of the Dutch Volleyball Federation.
Regarding preparation, she adds, "The team has played several international matches this year, including tournaments in China and Russia. They have also played two friendly matches against Germany and three against Belgium."
The international tournaments in China and Russia have given the Dutch an early chance to test themselves against heavyweights China, Cuba and Russia as well as fellow qualifiers Azerbaijan and Turkey, and more matches and camps are planned from August.
Opposition will include Brazil and Cuba, plus tournaments in France and Bulgaria, the latter a qualifying competition for next year's FIVB World Grand Prix.
The Dutch, coached by Avital Selinger, have been drawn in Pool C in Kobe with Brazil, USA, Puerto Rico, Cameroon and Kazakhstan.
The squad is: Kim Staelens, Suzanne Freriks, Francien Huurman, Chaine Staelens, Sanna Visser, Mirjam Orsel, Elke Wijnhoven, Alice Blom, Floortje Meijners, Janneke van Tienen, Susan van de Heuvel, Manon Flier, Titia Sustring, Riette Fledderus, Ingrid Visser, Debby Stam, Carlijn Jans and Caroline Wensink.
