Van Marwijk wants Uruguay passion in Dutch
Reuters - Monday 05 July 2010, 19:51
CAPE TOWN - Netherlands coach Bert van
Marwijk believes Uruguay's passionate approach should serve as
an example for his team when the sides meet on Tuesday in the
first World Cup semi-final at the Green Point Stadium.
Van Marwijk revealed on Monday that before one of the first
Dutch matches of this campaign he had used the South Americans
as an example of how to play matches at this level.
"If you see their passion it could serve as an example for
us," the coach told a news conference.
"You always have to go on your own strength and stay close
to your own football culture but there are always things you can
learn from other teams."
The coach added that reaching the semi-final at a World Cup
is already a great achievement for a small country like the
Netherlands but that they are not satisfied yet.
The Dutch have been on a mission since Van Marwijk took over
from Marco van Basten in July 2008 to win the World Cup and
their key player on the pitch so far at this tournament is
without doubt Dirk Kuyt.
Kuyt featured during the qualification campaign as a central
striker, started the first three matches on the right flank but
moved to the left to make way for Arjen Robben.
"I saw in some article that (former Liverpool manager
Rafael) Benitez once said that when he writes his lineup, Kuyt
is the first name he puts down," said van Marwijk.
"For me that is the same, he had a poor spell when Liverpool
also struggled last season but for us Dirk is so important.
"With his enthusiasm and effort he often gives the right
signal in a match and it also is infectious."
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