Holland v Uruguay preview - Holland coach pins hopes on Premier pair
Robin van Persie(credit:
toksuede)
England’s World Cup quest may have been disappointingly brief, but Holland boss Bert van Marwijk is pinning his hopes on a pair of Premier League stars impressing in the semi-finals.
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The Dutch take on Uruguay in Cape Town tonight looking to recreate the 1970s glory era, with Van Marwijk placing his trust in Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie.
“I read somewhere that when Rafael Benitez picked a team at Liverpool, he wrote Kuyt’s name down first. That says everything,” Van Marwijk said.
“Every player has a period where things don’t work out and Liverpool had a very tough year, but Kuyt is extremely important for us. The way he plays shows his passion and enthusiasm, and it is catching.”
Van Persie was out of action for five months after suffering a major ankle injury on international duty last November.
It has taken the Arsenal star a bit of time to find his form, with just one goal so far, but Van Marwijk believes the 26-year-old remains a major influence.
“Robin is extremely talented,” he said. “He is one of the best football players on this planet.
“He was injured for a very long time and you do need a certain rhythm. Sometimes it comes just like that. Sometimes it takes a bit longer.
“But he was better in the last match than the one before. Players with so much talent can suddenly decide a game. I always believe in him and still do.”
Holland are 4/6 to beat Uruguay in normal time with Blue Square, who are offering 11/10 for Van Persie to score inside 90 minutes and 2/1 for Kuyt to hit the back of the net.