THIRD PLACE GAME
* SITE: Paris
TIME: Noon TV: Chs. 7, 34 RADIO: KWKW (1330 Spanish)
* ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS: Its agonizing penalty-kicks loss to Brazil in the semifinals meant it hasn’t lost in regulation time or overtime here, after ties with Mexico and Belgium and victories over South Korea, Yugoslavia and Argentina. That’s small consolation for a team that had big hopes of finally winning the championship.
* ABOUT CROATIA: Its string of surprising successes was ended in the semifinals by France in a 2-1 loss. But in their World Cup debut, the Croatians won universal admiration and established themselves as a courageous and skillful team to be reckoned with.
* OUTLOOK: Dutch players acknowledged they aren’t aflutter over playing for third place. “It will be difficult. Nobody remembers this game. They remember the final, of course,” defender Jaap Stam said. “You only play the World Cup for the gold medal, not for third place.” But the Croatians seem to have a different attitude. “We will be motivated and I pray the Dutch won’t be,” said striker Suker, who shares the tournament lead with five goals and can win the Golden Boot--awarded to the tournament’s top goal scorer--if he has a productive day. “It will be a difficult game, but it’s better to end third than fourth.” Dutch winger Marc Overmars (hamstring pull) won’t play and defender Aron Winter (infected toe) is doubtful. For Croatia, midfielder Zvonimir Boban (pulled leg muscle) is doubtful.
