Dutch Quietly Confident About Knocking Out Portugal
June 25, 2006
The Dutch have not beaten Portugal since 1991 but Marco van Basten's remodeled team believe destiny is on their side ahead of the second-round clash.
"Portugal beat us two years ago, but the next game is something completely different. This is a new, young team, and we have new ideas," said striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Two years ago, goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Maniche broke Dutch hearts on a frenetic night in Lisbon. Previously, Portugal wrecked the Netherlands' 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign with an away win and home draw.
But the Netherlands have not lost a competitive match since that semi-final after van Basten took over from Dick Advocaat.
"Now, up against Portugal, we have to forget about the trauma of Euro 2004," said defensive midfield general Phillip Cocu. "Don't look at the past, but only think about playing a good match."
Formidable task
The Netherlands will be under no illusions about the size of the task, with World Cup-winning coach Scolari masterminding a Portuguese record of 17 matches unbeaten.
But despite Portugal's quality, and Scolari's unmatched World Cup pedigree, van Basten remains quietly confident. "Now we're up against Portugal. We know they're excellent but we're also not bad," he said. "Preparations will not change. If we're lucky, we've got four finals to go, matches where you can make no errors because you cannot go back on them."
Van Basten can turn to Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Arjen Robben, who were rested for the final group match with Argentina.
The former Dutch great may also bench van Nistelrooy in favor of Feyenoord marksman Dirk Kuyt after aiming criticism at the Manchester United man. "Ruud has not been good. He hasn't been on form in the first matches," van Basten said. "He has to give us a lot more."
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is expected to win his 113th cap, beating Frank de Boer's Dutch record.
Portugal on target
Scolari meanwhile goes into the game on a record 10-match World Cup winning streak, including seven as he led his native Brazil to the title in 2002.
Wins against Angola, Iran and Mexico saw Portugal through Group D with maximum points and minimum fuss, with the Brazilian even able to rest five first-team players for the final match.
Lisbon scorers Ronaldo and Maniche were both on target in the first round as Portugal reached the knock-out stages for the first time since 1966.
"It's only the second time Portugal has qualified for the second round in 40 years but we have to look at it game by game," Scolari said. "All the teams are very balanced and very even, they're in good condition. There are five or six teams which I believe are the best, they might be playing very well but one day they can have an off-day and be eliminated."
Portugal will welcome back Ronaldo, Deco, Pauleta and Nuno Valente, who were all stood down against Mexico as a precaution against them getting a second yellow card.