Euro 2012: Netherlands versus Sweden - Preview
The Dutchmen just keep getting hit by worries and troubles, overseas or not, and predictably they are about injuries again.
It has been confirmed that Netherlands will not be able to utilize the services of their prized assets in the midfield, Wesley Sneijder and Mark van Bommel as they run into the encounter against Sweden.
This will be one of the most heated clashes of the Euro 2012 qualification process and as the match is taking place at Amsterdam ArenA, the frustrated Dutch fans from the World Cup will be ready to explode with an electrifying environment.
With Arjen Robben out of play the Oranje face a real threat of being defeated. The reason of the threat will be the performance of the world class Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Their form has been magnificent in the tournament up till now as they have managed to acquire victories in all 3 of their matches. However their next Group E match will be a battle against the Swedish side that is also undefeated at this point.
The Swedes on the other hand will be entering the arena with a full lineup as even the players who were on the verge of being ruled out because of injuries have made a successful comeback.
Both Christian Wilhelmsson and Daniel Majstorovic have recovered from the damage they received in their earlier games so the Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk can only sigh in despair for a miracle that one of their other regulars can know how to deliver when situation asks.
With Sneijder and Van Bommel out of play it will be up to the other men in the legendary Dutch midfield to step up their game and provide their team with a winner at their home, not just to take them another step closer to glory but extinguish the anguish of their fans.
Nevertheless it has been hinted that there is a slight chance the duo will make a surprise appearance. To be or not to be, the other man that will have to observed in the match will be Dirk Kuyt and Klaas-Jan Huntelar.
In a press release the Dutch coach Van Marwijk stated, “Sneijder was forced to pull out of training today. I don't have any details but he couldn't finish the session. Van Bommel still has a sore knee but I hope he can play.”
If the Netherlands are able to come out of the battle victorious then they will gain a 6 point lead over their Swedish counter parts.
However Van Marwijk has admitted that his men will have to fight tooth and nail in order to achieve this triumph.
Praising the Swedish play he expressed, “Sweden are very good opposition, we have a lot of respect for them and they have many qualities.”
Sweden have in fact been in outstanding form as their defence has failed to falter so far. No goals have been scored against them so far, in contrast they have made the ball see back of the net 8 times in just two matches.
They sure will be poised to keep their flair rolling hot when its served and their latest beacon forward Ola Toivonen who has also established his dominance with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven has mentioned that he wants to help his team mates by offering them tips on field.
Toivonen has collaborated that he knows how to get past the opponents goal keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. He uttered that he knows from experience what his weaknesses are and he hopes that his team mates will try to take advantage of that.
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