'After Belgium twice, we now get Scotland' - Vincent van der Voort sees the Netherlands is once again with a tough draw at the World Cup of Darts

The Netherlands will face Scotland tonight at the World Cup of Darts, in what is once again a tough draw for the Dutch team. After suffering second-round defeats to Belgium in each of the past two editions, Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen now take on the 2021 champions.

Former professional Vincent van der Voort shared his thoughts on the draw in the podcast Darts draait door for Sportnieuws.nl, alongside host Damien Vlottes. The 49-year-old didn’t hide his frustration. “This is the third time the tournament has been played in this format, and after Belgium twice, we now get Scotland,” Vlottes noted.

Despite the difficult path, Van der Voort believes the Dutch pairing has a slight edge, especially if Scotland’s Peter Wright isn't in top form. “Noppert and Van Veen are playing well and have good chemistry. But again, it’s a tough draw. The Netherlands is a slight favourite, but we really haven’t been spoiled with a draw where you think: ‘This will be easy.’”

If the Netherlands manages to get past Scotland, a quarterfinal meeting with the Czech Republic awaits. “You have to say right now that that’s a winnable match,” Van der Voort added.

Another major tie tonight features England against host nation Germany. On paper, Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are the clear favourites. But Van der Voort sees a potential upset brewing.

“Germany will be thinking: this is England’s first match, and the pressure on them is enormous. Littler will be full of nerves. Everyone expects them to breeze through with a 110 average, but Germany will be incredibly motivated, playing in front of their home crowd. That could give them wings.”