NETHERLANDS EYE RECORD-EQUALLING FIFTH WORLD CUP TITLE
14/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
GIAN VAN VEEN believes the Netherlands are a “real force to be reckoned with” after powering into the World Cup semi-finals.
World No3 Van Veen and Michael van Gerwen averaged a stunning 102.68 as they dispatched Germany 8-4 to silence the crowd in Frankfurt.
The Giant and three-time world champ Van Gerwen will now face defending champions Northern Ireland for a place in the final.
Van Veen is confident his side has what it takes to claim a fifth International Pairs title, drawing level with England as the competition’s most successful nation.
He said: “That is why I have Michael van Gerwen by my side. I can always rely on him. During this game I felt so much more comfortable than I did yesterday.
“I think if we play like this tonight we are going to be a real force to be reckoned with.”
Van Gerwen added: “I think we both really enjoyed this game and in the beginning we played some really good darts.
“At one point the scoring power was getting up from both of us and then things get a lot easier.
“More importantly we both performed today. I did some great finishes and Gian had some great scoring power at the right moments.
“I think that is what you need if you want to do well in this tournament. I think we can go all the way.”
