I am missing them.
Italy, Holland are soccer elites, they might struggle to qualify or in group stages but once in the tournament, they are totally different team than Iceland, Serbia, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland .... (many others, I am just mentioning EURO Zone). Yesterday what Japan managed to do, I am sure it won't happen against Italy or Holland. But someone has to miss, and Italy/Holland (Chili & USA as well) missed the cut fair & squire, can't complain.
Italy's next gen team is outstanding - Donnarumma, De Sciglio, Caldara, Romagnoli, Rugini, Jorginho, Florenzi, Verratti, Belotti, Chiesa, El Shaaraway .... if Mancini can bring the old Italian organization back, I back them to make SF next time at least.
Dutch soccer was in a bit shambles - not that they have the players, but something was not right. They say, never appoint a previously sacked Manager and Advocat proved why. Recently they were outclassed by France in a WC qualifier, then missed the Qualifier play-off by GA to Sweden; but their team isn't that bad. Dutch FA has appointed probably the best man in this situation (Koeman) and since then, there has been a raise - beat Portugal 3-0 at Geneva & drew at Italy. They'll come back strong for sure.
Among soccer elites, I am actually concerned more for Argentina - these bunch won 2 U20 WCs in 2005 & 2007; and couple of Olympics in 2004 & 2008 with sweeping individual accolades; but most, if not all of that generation will be retired by next qualifier. FIFA has sold WC to Qatar, which means one more cheap slot to Asia and FIFA most likely will cut that from South America (Only 10 votes, compered to 50+ in Africa). Unless a Latin team wins this WC, most likely, they'll give 4 spots to South America, and one qualifier with Asia, which they'll qualify, so 5 like this time. Brazil, Colombia, Chili, Uruguay, Peru & Argentina - one'll miss; and I am not confident on Argentina, if they don't put a top Manager in charge to rebuild.
