Euro 2012 news: Dutch could be without Wesley Sneijder and Mark van Bommel
Netherlands have had a winning start to their Euro 2012 qualifiers, winning all their group matches so far, but the World Cup runners up face a tough challenge tonight when they host Sweden. Not only are Sweden also unbeaten in the competition so far, but they also have a fully fit side while the Dutch have many worrying injury problems going into the match.
Bert van Marwijk, the Netherlands coach, is already without Christian Wilhelmsson and Daniel Majstorovic, both sidelined from knocks they had suffered in earlier fixtures. He was further disappointed by the news of Wesley Sneijder and Mark van Bommel possibly not being available for the fixture.
Van Marwijk told reporters, “Sneijder was forced to pull out of training today. I don't have any details but he couldn't finish the session.” He added “Van Bommel still has a sore knee but I hope he can play.”
Marwijk was well aware that a victory over Sweden will give his side a six points lead over the opponents and make them undoubted leaders of Group E. But the Holland coach admitted that the Swedes were a decent side and he expected an even match at the Amsterdam ArenA.
He said, “Sweden are very good opposition, we have a lot of respect for them and they have many qualities. Ball tempo is an important detail for us, we want to contain them but at the same time get our own passes in quickly.They are big and strong and their height advantage is also a weapon for them.”
So far, Sweden have not conceded a goal and have scored eight times in only two fixtures, and with a game in hand against Finland, it seems they have it easy. If they take advantage of Holland’s growing injury list and earn a win, they will have a vital advantage in the group. Their greatest strength is their defence and they will be focusing on that, hoping to get the Dutch on the counter attack.
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