Wesley Sneijder should be fit for Holland's World Cup quarter-final against Costa Rica, who have defensive problems.
The Oranje and Los Ticos will scrap it out in Salvador on Saturday night for the right to face Argentina or Belgium in the last four.
Opta facts
- Holland have won 10 of their last 11 World Cup matches, with the only blip in this run being their 2010 final defeat against Spain.
- This will be the first-ever meeting between the Netherlands and Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica have beaten just one European side in their last seven encounters with teams from that continent, though this did come against Italy earlier in the World Cup (D3 L3).
- The Netherlands are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings with teams representing CONCACAF (W10 D1) and have scored at least twice in 10 of those games.
Louis van Gaal's side are overwhelming favourites to progress and edge closer to another World Cup final, having been runners-up to Spain in South Africa four years ago.
Sneijder collected a back injury in the last-16 victory over Mexico in Fortaleza last Sunday - a match in which he scored the equalising goal.
Van Gaal is already without the services of defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong (groin) for the rest of the tournament. Daley Blind could be pushed forward to fill the gap, with Bruno Martins Indi starting in the rearguard, while Paul Verhaegh may be replaced by Daryl Janmaat at right wing-back.
Speaking at Friday's press conference, Van Gaal was confident his side would get through at the Arena Fonte Nova, but laughed off suggestions that the Dutch are feeling under pressure given Costa Rica are seen as having nothing to lose.
"Well, I may have some news for you - the Dutch media did not expect that we would get this far either," the Holland coach said.
"Everything we are achieving now should be fantastic for the Dutch media, but that is not the issue. The issue is our own objectives, our goal.
"Our goal has always been to become world champions and we have already said we are a team which is very difficult to beat.
Van Gaal: At Friday's press conference
"We're not a great team, but a team which is difficult to beat. So far we have shown that and I hope we can continue that up to and including the final.
"That Costa Rica are considered to be a less strong team, that is by the media. That is not our words, we are not saying that."
When asked if he was underestimating his own team, van Gaal replied: "Well, perhaps, yes, you may be right.
"But we have always said since the preparation for this World Cup that it will not be the best or most fantastic team that is going to win, but the best 23 players will win this.
"We all have one goal, we are all supporting each other, complementing each other. That's what the Dutch team is, all 23 players.
"We've been able to achieve outstanding results and this what we see.
"That will remain for the entire tournament, even if we lose. The Dutch team will fight right to the very last minute to become world champions."
The Dutch have averaged three goals a game in their previous four outings in Brazil, but Costa Rica have only conceded twice thus far in their surprise run to the last eight.
Greece's stoppage-time leveller forced them into extra-time and then penalties in their round-of-16 encounter in Recife, but Jorge Luis Pinto's side came through the shootout 5-3 - thanks in no small part to the heroics of Keylor Navas in goal.
Jamie Redknapp previews Holland versus Costa Rica in the World Cup quarter-final.
Navas saved decisively from Theofanis Gekas, allowing Michael Umana to step up and net the decisive penalty.
The Levante shot-stopper, the subject of a failed bid from Atletico Madrid earlier this week, has been nursing a slight shoulder injury which forced him to miss training but is expected to be fit to start.
However, centre-back Oscar Duarte is suspended after being sent off last Sunday, and Roy Miller is reportedly ruled out with a foot problem, meaning Johnny Acosta looks set to be called upon to play to the left of Giancarlo Gonzalez.
Paul Merson's prediction
I am going to go for Holland here, but only narrowly. I just don’t think they will be comfortable coming out and having a go at Costa Rica, knowing how dangerous they are on the counter-attack.
Post a Comment