Friday, 4 July 2014

MATCH PREVIEW AND FACTS: NETHERLAND V COSTA RICA


The Oranje have a selection dilemma as they consider a
replacement for the injured midfielder while the Central
Americans have slight concerns over their star keeper.

Netherlands is reeling from the loss of Nigel de Jong while
Costa Rica is sweating on the fitness of Keylor Navas and Roy
Miller ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal clash in
Salvador.
De Jong was forced off just nine minutes into his country's
2-1 last-16 win over Mexico and subsequent scans revealed
a groin muscle tear, ruling him out of the remainder of the
tournament.

Consequently, Louis van Gaal has a tactical dilemma. He could switch to 4-3-3 or continue with the double pivot in
front of the five-man defense with which he has started every
game, replacing De Jong with Jonathan de Guzman, Jordy
Clasie or versatile defender Daley Blind, who moved into
midfield against Mexico.
If the latter option is taken, Bruno Martins Indi would be the
obvious man to step in on the left side of the defense, as he
did in Fortaleza. Regardless, Daryl Janmaat is expected to
return on the opposite flank in place of Paul Verhaegh, who
did not impress against Mexico.
As for Costa Rica, goalkeeper Navas, who has been one of the
stars of the tournament, missed training on Wednesday
because of a minor shoulder problem, but is expected to
start.

Meanwhile, versatile defender Miller is doubtful because of a
muscle tear in his left foot, which is a major concern given
center half Oscar Duarte is suspended for the last-eight
meeting with the Dutch.
Elsewhere, coach Jorge Luis Pinto is not expected to make
any changes to the side that has served him so well in Brazil,
meaning lone striker Joel Campbell will once again be
supported by Bryan Ruiz and Christian Bolanos from out
wide.

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