SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010: We must respect Uruguay, says Dutch coach

Record ID: 452429

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010: We must respect Uruguay, says Dutch coach
  • Date: 4th July 2010
  • Summary: COACH BERT VAN MARWIJK GREETING YOUNG FAN
  • Embargoed: 19th July 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA1MVXVI0UIYIH063X0KUIMBBVM
  • Story Text: Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk says his players will not become complacent against Uruguay following his side's elimination of Brazil and confirms striker Van Persie is in hospital undergoing tests on his arm.
    The Netherlands are looking ahead to a semi-final clash against South American dark horses Uruguay after they eliminated Brazil from the competition in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on Friday (July 2).

    Brazil took an early lead in the match before the Dutch found a fortunate own goal when Felipe Melo headed in a Wesley Sneijder cross, before Sneijder sealed a memorable 2-1 win with a rare headed goal from a corner.

    The Dutch squad carried out a training session in Johannesburg on Saturday (July 3) for players who did not start against Brazil, leaving the first eleven to rest.

    Coach Bert van Marwijk said striker Robin van Persie was in hospital undergoing a scan on his arm, but said he did not think it was too serious.

    "Yeah, he's in a hospital at this moment, they make a scan yes. And for Joris Mathijsen it's the same, they're both in the hospital to make a scan. Robin has an arm problem, and Joris a knee problem. I don't know what it is, that's why they're in the hospital now. Look bad? I think for Robin van Persie I don't think so, and Joris Mathijsen I really don't know," he said.

    For the semi-final in Cape Town next Tuesday (July 6), Uruguay will be missing their joint top scorer Luis Suarez through suspension following his deliberate handball at the end of their match against Ghana.

    Van Marwijk said he would warn his players about possible complacency after the Brazil win gave their confidence a major boost.

    "This is the moment that I already talked about for two years, that the next game is always coming and when you beat Brazil and you're in the last four of the world, then what's coming is the next game, and the next game is Uruguay and they are fighters, survivors, and we have to be very very concentrated," he added.

    Netherlands cruised through Group E with three wins but failed to impress some critics back home with their style.

    The Dutch have long yearned for World Cup glory, coming closest in 1974 and 1978 when they were runners-up to hosts West Germany and Argentina respectively. The closest they have come since was a penalty shootout loss to Brazil in the semi-final of France '98.
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