World Cup Game Preview: Portugal vs. Netherlands
The late game on Sunday promises to be another thriller as Portugal take on the Netherlands, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Portugal won Group C, and did so by resting several of their stars in a victory over Mexico. All of those players are expected back in the line-up after not
being suspended. Pauleta, Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco will be back in the line-up, while the situation is not as clear on the Dutch side of the touchline.
Marco van Basten has publically said he might well name Dirk Kuyt as the central attacker in his 4-3-3 formation over the more experienced Ruud van Nistelrooy. Also, John Heitinga is expected to be back in the starting XI at right-back after overcoming a hamstring injury. If he can't go, Khalid Boulahrouz will deputize once again.
Head to head:
Portugal and the Netherlands have met nine times previously, with the Iberian side winning five matches to just one for the Netherlands. Their last meeting was a memorable one as Portugal won 2-1 in the Euro 2004 semi-finals.
Probable line-ups:
Portugal: Ricardo, Miguel, R. Carvalho, Meira, N. Valente, Costinha, Maniche, Figo, Deco, C. Ronaldo, Pauleta.
Netherlands: van der Sar, Heitinga, Ooijer, Mathijsen, van Bronckhorst, van Bommel, Sneijder, Cocu, van Persie, van Nistelrooy/Kuyt, Robben.
Portugal won Group C, and did so by resting several of their stars in a victory over Mexico. All of those players are expected back in the line-up after not
being suspended. Pauleta, Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco will be back in the line-up, while the situation is not as clear on the Dutch side of the touchline.Marco van Basten has publically said he might well name Dirk Kuyt as the central attacker in his 4-3-3 formation over the more experienced Ruud van Nistelrooy. Also, John Heitinga is expected to be back in the starting XI at right-back after overcoming a hamstring injury. If he can't go, Khalid Boulahrouz will deputize once again.
Head to head:
Portugal and the Netherlands have met nine times previously, with the Iberian side winning five matches to just one for the Netherlands. Their last meeting was a memorable one as Portugal won 2-1 in the Euro 2004 semi-finals.
Probable line-ups:
Portugal: Ricardo, Miguel, R. Carvalho, Meira, N. Valente, Costinha, Maniche, Figo, Deco, C. Ronaldo, Pauleta.
Netherlands: van der Sar, Heitinga, Ooijer, Mathijsen, van Bronckhorst, van Bommel, Sneijder, Cocu, van Persie, van Nistelrooy/Kuyt, Robben.
posted by 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany at 6:32 AM
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