The Netherlands may be without their most experienced defender when they face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

  • By Spencer Steevensz
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vlaar sRon Vlaar, who plays for Aston Villa in England, is unlikely to be fit for the Netherlands semi-final match against Argentina after picking up a knee injury. This would be a big blow to the Netherlands defensive line, especially since defensive midfielder Nigel De Jong will miss the remainder of the tournament with a groin muscle injury. Vlaar and De Jong were the two most experienced players in the Netherlands defence, apart from striker turned wingback Dirk Kuyt.

Either Feyenoord’s Daryl Janmaat or Wolfsburg’s Paul Verhaegh could be handed a start if Vlaar is unavailable, while youngsters Joel Veltman or Terrence Kongolo could also feature.

While Dirk Kuyt has been playing in the defence, it’s unlikely he’ll be moved into a central defending area; although, with Louis Van Gaal at the helm, anything is possible.

The KNVB has not confirmed Vlaar’s status, so there’s still hope he’ll be available to shut down the Argentine offense.




Spencer Steevensz (104 Posts)

I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!