Netherlands announce 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2014

Dutch national football team head coach Louis van Gaal (C) talks to his team during a training session on May 30, 2014 at the Rotterdam's Stadium on the eve of the friendly football match Netherlands vs Ghana.

Louis van Gaal has announced the final 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil, with Rafael van der Vaart being the most notable exclusion from the 30-man provision squad that was announced three weeks ago.

The Dutch manager has revealed his preferred choices which unsurprisingly includes Robin Van Persie as the main striker.

It was confirmed already that Kevin Strootman had sustained an injury which keeps him out from this edition of the tournament, and now Hamburger SV midfielder Rafael van der Vaart joins him after picking up a calf injury while training with the national team this week.

Van Gaal has mixed experience with youth as his selection includes finalists of the previous tournament along with new legs that have impressed this season with their consistent performances.

Wesley Sneijder retakes his place in midfield after having an on and off time in the national team since Euro 2012, while winger Arjen Robben will be the man on whom Van Gaal will rely heavily in the competition.

Chelsea Marco Van Ginkel was not considered for the tournament since he missed most part of the season with an injury, but Swansea City’s De Guzman was selected.

FC Schalke’s Klaas Jan Huntelaar gets his second call for the World Cup while Depay and Jeremy Lens might get a chance to play their maiden tournament.

Netherlands 23 man World Cup squad (via @VI_nl ) pic.twitter.com/CQm2MLMC8W
— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) May 31, 2014

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Tim Krul (Newcastle United)

Defenders: Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax)

Midfielders: Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray)

Forwards: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Memphis Depay (PSV)