Brazil vs. Netherlands
SITE: Marseille
TIME: Noon. TV: ESPN, Channel 34. RADIO: KWKW (1330, Spanish).
* ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS: Holland’s only losses have occurred off the field. Defender Arthur Numan, suspended for today’s game after getting two yellow cards against Argentina, was to be replaced by Winston Bogarde, but Bogarde broke his ankle in practice Sunday. Coach Guus Hiddink’s options include moving Philip Cocu to defense--Cocu has played midfield and up front--or moving central defender Frank de Boer to the left side. Winger Marc Overmars aggravated a pulled hamstring against Argentina and isn’t likely to start. Boudewijn Zenden is expected to take his place.
* ABOUT BRAZIL: Cafu, a defender who has also been an offensive catalyst, will serve a one-game suspension after getting his second yellow card of the tournament. Ze Carlos will take his place at right back, making his international and World Cup debut at 30. Brazil has scored the most goals of any semifinalist, 13, but has also given up the most, six.
* OUTLOOK: This is potentially the best game of the tournament. Both teams love to attack--and do it with flair--both have exceptional forwards and creative midfielders and both can pass with breathtaking speed and precision. Suspensions and injuries may weaken each team’s defense--defense has been Brazil’s one weakness here--but that might only pad the score. The defending champion Brazilians have lost one game, a first-round match to Norway that didn’t mean much, and the Netherlands is undefeated. Key matchup: Dutch defender Frank de Boer on Brazilian forward Ronaldo. Also pivotal: whether the Dutch players’ confidence and unity can hold up under what promises to be a withering attack. Maybe this time, it can.
