Thursday's World Cup round-up

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk called a team meeting after reports in the Dutch media claimed Arsenal striker Robin van Persie said midfielder Wesley Sneijder should have been substituted instead of him in their last 16 win over Slovakia.
"I will never accept anything that could upset the next match," Van Marwijk told Dutch national broadcaster NOS.
"I spoke to Robin and he is supposed to have said something about Wesley.
"I've spoken to Wesley and after that I called the team together... told them what I think and then drew a line under it."

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson is desperate for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
Kingson was released by Wigan in May after two years at the DW Stadium, where he made four first-team appearances. 
"I have to prove myself in the Premier League. It is an unfulfilled mission for me," said the 32-year-old. 
"I was waiting for my chance and it did not come. Now I am at the World Cup. I am playing, I am comfortable and I am happy. Everyone can see what I can do. 
"I would still like to stay in England because I know I could play every week in the Premier League." 

The newly-renovated Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was lit up by green and yellow lights to show support for the nation's football team ahead of their quarter-final clash with the Netherlands on Friday.
Legendary Brazil striker Pele has continued his war of words with Argentina coach Diego Maradona. 
Having previously said Maradona only took the Argentina job because he needed the money, Pele has criticised Maradona's lifestyle. 
"Maradona is not a good coach, because he had a bizarre lifestyle which cannot go down well with his team," three-time World Cup winner Pele told German magazine 11Freunde.

www.bbc.co.uk

Netherlands - England

New national team coach, Bert van Marwijk, although inherited excellent squad from Marco van Basten, already made results that deserve a deep respect. Netherlands have already qualified for a World Cup with seven consecutive wins, with 16 goals scored and just two conceded. At their home, Amsterdam Arena, they kept a clean sheet on all four previous games (with eleven goals scored, btw.)! Their recent performances surely put them in the row of favorites in South Africa. Only concern that currently worries van Marwijk is the fact some his best players haven’t been playing in their clubs. Sneijder, Van der Vaart, Robben and Huntelaar (he signed for AC Milan) lost the season in Real Madrid, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel are more on the bench in Liverpool than on the pitch, nearly the same situation is also with Nigel de Jong in Manchester City. However, van Marwijk called all of them showing unlimited trust, while they’ll have additional motive for good performance in scouts who will watch the game. The Netherlands will be without the skipper Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Mark van Bommel through injury, while mentioned midfielder Nigel de Jong returns from suspension. A win against England would boost their confidence till the sky, but also it has to be said, visitors are much stronger squad than the opponents who Dutch defeated seven times in group.

After dark eras under Sven-Göran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, English national team finally started to look serious and competitive. Fabio Capello brought with himself his vision of the game which always includes playing on the result. With strong authority and the excellent media handling, it brings great results so far. As Netherlands, England booked the ticket for South Africa and the final showdown. After seven group games, maximum number of points are on balance. And as Netherlands, have a huge goal difference, 26 goals scored and just four conceded. Capello’s biggest concern is long-time solution for a goalkeeper. Standard number one, David James has a knee injury, while his replacement Ben Foster (Man.Utd.) also got injured. So, place on the pitch will take Paul Robinson (Blackburn), or Robert Green (West Ham). The fact is, all counted names are not on the same level as other lines of the team. For this encounter, Capello can not count on Steven Gerrard who was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up a groin problem in training. Aston Villa's Ashley Young will replace him. All others are available. Only wins keep the good atmosphere (in the team and in public) and Capello as always will demand a result.

I doubt anybody looks this game just like a friendly game in preparation for World Cup. Both sides will give their best to defeat old rivals, but also would accept a draw for a peace in the house, much rather than defeat. I predict a lots of fire, but peaceful epilogue at the end. Draw.

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Netherlands - Norway

Netherlands is the first European selection that booked the place in South Africa. Football pundits were suspicious when Bert van Marwijk inherited Marco van Basten on position of national team coach. But, with the performances in group 9, he silented them all. All six wins, with 14 goals scored and just two conceded. At home, they look masterful. All three wins, with nine goals scored and not a single goal conceded. It is hard to say what is the biggest strength of this squad. Attacking potential with players like Huntelaar, Van Persie, Robben, Kuyt, or Van der Vaart, or defence line which conceded just two goals from six games. Tonight will be celebrating atmosphere. Home side will play without any pressure, but with intention to repay the fan’s support with another win. Except Nigel de Jong, all players are available. Bert van Marwijk and players have been telling the press that they want to win and to go on holidays with a good feeling. Even with the mixed eleven, Dutch would be the favorites.

Norway’s current shape looks totally opposite than Dutch’s. They’re winless in four games, with three draws and home defeat (0-1) against tonight’s opponent. Coach Age Hareide lost his job and he was replaced with well-known name Morten Olsen. Olsen has already two times led Norway to World Cup, but this time it looks like mission impossible. Watching the group table, their position isn’t hopeless, as they need three points to involve in fight for place number two. But, two goalless draws on the road don’t make this travel too optimistic. And Rotterdam surely isn’t a place where You want to correct the mistakes. At saturday in Macedonia, beside showing the old imperfection with no scoring (John Carew was one-on-one with goalie), Norway was outplayed. The mood was additionally decreased when the skipper and probably the best player Brede Hangeland got the suspending yellow card. Odd Grenland midfielder Simen Brenne are also out through injury and have been replaced by Rosenborg's Alexander Tettey. Norway has nothing to wait, than to attack.

With anything less than three points, Norway will end this campaign and must attack. Dutch will appreciate that manner and will try to bury their hopes and greeting the fans with another convincing victory. I think Netherlands is the favorite, but also think Norway can score. My choice is goals. Pinnacle offers 2.05. Over.

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And gamble on Ecuador.

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