Vermeer could continue for Dutch
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Article summary
Stand-in goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer may start the Netherlands' final group fixture against Belgium because of first-choice Boy Waterman's back problem.
Article body
Did not train
Waterman was present with the Dutch squad at their Langezwaag base on Thursday morning but did not train after aggravating a back problem kicking the ball during Wednesday night's win over Portugal. The AZ Alkmaar keeper originally hurt his back picking up the ball in the 1 June friendly against Poland and, with the hosts' semi-final place secured, he may sit out the Belgium game as a precaution.
'Good replacement'
Speaking after training, coach Foppe de Haan refused to rule out Waterman, saying: "He now needs rest and medical attention but he has not given up for Saturday." If Vermeer, a 34th-minute substitute for Waterman on Wednesday, does start, De Haan can take comfort from the fact his second-choice keeper has plenty of experience at this level. The AFC Ajax player was in goal for the Jong Orange when they won the U21 finals in Portugal last summer and the coach added: "For the team it's not a problem because we have a good replacement in Vermeer."