MATCH 29 PREVIEW : REMEDY AT THE READY IN LISBON

Advocaat bravery
The Dutch coach, Dick Advocaat, has also had to deal with plenty of criticism, particularly for his substitution of the exciting Arjen Robben and subsequent defeat by the Czech Republic. But not many coaches are brave enough to field two wingers at any level these days, and while the talent at his disposal tends to demand an attacking lineup, Advocaat can still take some credit for bucking the trend.

Van der Meyde dilemma
The loss of his captain Frank De Boer through injury will be smoothly enough covered over by the return of Wilfred Bouma at the back. But Advocaat has surprisingly offered up another selection poser by declaring himself unhappy with the form of right-winger Andy van der Meyde. Marc Overmars or Roy Makaay stand by to start in his place.

Pressure on hosts
Four years after bowing out as co-hosts at the semi-final stage, the Netherlands are now hoping to inflict a similar fate on the Portuguese. "A lot of pressure is on the [host] team," Advocaat added. "We have experienced that in 2000 ourselves. It will become an interesting meeting between two attacking teams but the pressure is on them because they really have to do it."

Portugal (probable): Ricardo; Miguel, Jorge Andrade, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente; Costinha; Figo, Maniche, Deco, Ronaldo; Pauleta.

Netherlands (probable): Van der Sar; Reiziger, Stam, Bouma, Van Bronckhorst; Seedorf, Cocu, Davids; Overmars, Van Nistelrooij, Robben.


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