Advocaat confident over duo
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Article summary
The Netherlands continue to make good progress towards their opening Group D contest against Germany.
Article body
Restful day
Clarence Seedorf and Edwin van der Sar have been the only injury worries for Dick Advocaat but both have given the coach reason to feel confident that they will be available for Tuesday night's match. AC Milan midfield player Seedorf, who has a hamstring injury, did not train today but was being protected after a tough session yesterday.
Wait and see
"Seedorf was the only player missing, but you should not read too much into that," Advocaat said. "He trained very hard on his own on Friday evening and now we have to wait to see how his body will react. My medical staff will be able to tell me that and then we have to make a decision. Clarence is still hoping that he will be able to play against Germany."
Starting role
Van der Sar has been the only other fitness worry for the Netherlands, but the Fulham FC goalkeeper was seemingly untroubled by his bruised finger today. While Seedorf may have to be content with a place on the bench at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Van der Sar will almost certainly start.
Coach confident
In today's session, Advocaat made his players concentrate on wing play, crosses and corners while also spending time playing intense four against four games. However, the coach did not find it necessary to allocate time for penalties. "We already have a very good penalty taker in [Ruud] Van Nistelrooij," he said.