WORLD CUP USA ’94 / ROUND OF 16 : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE
At Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla.
Ireland vs. Netherlands
* TIME: 9 a.m.
* TV: ESPN, Univision
* KEY MATCHUPS: Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp is the pivotal figure in a game that figures to produce few goals. After being frustrated in his first two games, he broke through against Morocco for a goal and an assist. “He can raise (his level of play) still,” Dutch Coach Dick Advocaat said. “He can score at any time. It is possible he will make the difference not only (today) but for more games after.” The task of stopping Bergkamp will fall primarily to Gary Kelly and Terry Phelan. Coach Jack Charlton, back from a one-game suspension, will deploy only one forward, probably John Aldridge, with five midfielders and four defenders. They’ll try to keep the play at midfield and keep the ball from Bergkamp, Peter van Vossen and the fleet Dutch reserve wingers. Waiting to counterattack will be Ireland’s game, although Charlton insists he’s playing for a victory and not for a tie and penalty kicks.
* OUTLOOK: The teams have met 13 times in international competition, and only once in their last seven games has either scored more than two goals. This probably won’t break the pattern. For Charlton, who has no big guns, a low-scoring game is essential. For Advocaat, it’s a concession to the heat and humidity, which prevent his team from playing its usual energetic, attacking game. Danny Blind is likely to be added as the fourth Dutch defender and Frank Rijkaard, benched against Morocco, will replace the suspended Jan Wouters in midfield. Unfortunately, considering the Dutch players’ skills and the Irish players’ feisty style, the heat figures to slow the pace to a near-crawl.
* OUTCOME: Ireland has the more dogged runners and rugged defenders, plus it has the charismatic Charlton. The Dutch players’ temperaments are more difficult to predict and they still carry the label of wilting in big games, such as the 1974 and ’78 World Cup finals. That said, the Dutch will win today for one reason: They have a game-breaker in Bergkamp, who must generate only a couple of chances and convert one. If he doesn’t score or set up van Vossen before halftime, look for this to be settled in overtime or penalty kicks--and Holland to prevail.
