Having missed Euro 2016, the last thing the Netherlands will want is to also fail to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Having made a sedate start to their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Holland will want to make the most of their first home game, when they host Belarus on Friday.
Danny Blind's side drew 1-1 away to Sweden in their opening game, and considering they have been grouped together with France, the manager will know the importance of winning their home matches.
Netherlands will host France in Amsterdam on Monday, but before that they need to make sure they take the three points against Belarus in Rotterdam.
"We are playing at home and our boys play in the top European leagues," Blind told reporters. "So we know what to expect against Belarus at home. We just have to win."
Winning is something that the Dutch haven't made a habit of in the recent past, with that wonderful production line of world-class talent that used to come from Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord drying up considerably.
To a large extent, Holland still rely on their veterans to push them to victories, and one of those – Arjen Robben – will miss both the Belarus and France matches with a hamstring injury.
"I spoke to Arjen. He's not coming – he's not fit and that is unfortunate," Blind added. "We will have to do without him. That is now clear, and we know where we stand. He does just not feel fit yet. We knew it would be difficult for him.
"We hoped that we could take advantage of that extra quality he brings. Unfortunately that is not the case."
Blind is confident Wesley Sneijder, another one of the players with experience to burn, will be fit enough to play, but Luuk de Jong and Steven Berghuis were forced to withdraw due to injuries. Manchester United winger Memphis Depay has been brought in along with Luuk's older brother Siem, and Blind will hope he has the squad capable of beating Belarus, who had a really strong start to their campaign, holding the Euro 2016 finalists France to a goalless draw.
Where to Watch Live
Netherlands vs Belarus is scheduled for an 8.45pm CET (7.45pm BST, 2.45pm ET, 12.15am IST next day) start. Live Streaming and TV information.
India: TV: Sony ESPN HD. Live Streaming: Sonyliv.
Netherlands: TV: NPO3.
Belarus: TV: Belarus 2.
UK: Live Streaming: Sky Go.
USA: TV: Fox Sports 2. Live Streaming: FoxSoccer2Go.
Australia and South America: TV: ESPN.
Canada: TV: Sportsnet.
