WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE
GROUP F
at Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.
Belgium vs. Netherlands
* TIME: 9:30 a.m. PDT.
* TV: ABC, Univision.
* KEY MATCHUPS: Belgian Coach Paul Van Himst will use three forwards instead of two, guaranteeing a defensive mind-set. It’s the only way he believes his team can play in hot, humid weather, which continues to drain energy and dictates a slower pace. Josip Weber, Belgium’s scoring threat, did little last Sunday against Morocco. He and Marc Degryse, who scored Belgium’s only goal, will be the forwards today. Dutch Coach Dick Advocaat’s team is offense-oriented. Advocaat probably will make one change, starting forward Gaston Taument in place of Marc Overmars. Taument scored the game-winner in Holland’s 2-1 decision over Saudi Arabia.
* OUTLOOK: Belgium will be a slave to defense, taking few chances and waiting for counterattacks. Holland will attack, but this game won’t be an offensive display because neither team is accustomed to this weather. Look for the Dutch to use their speed on the wings and try to get the ball to Dennis Bergkamp.
* OUTCOME: Because both won their first games, neither team is in a must-win situation. However, neither particularly wants to win the group title, because that would mean a game against the second-place finisher in tough Group E in Orlando. Second place brings an easier foe, the runner-up in Group B. That will probably be Cameroon, Sweden or Russia. Look for a 1-1 tie.
