Netherlands – G. Hiddink: “Our game is less defensive and more attractive than that of the Brazilians”

Comments made at the Vista Palace Hotel at Roquebrune (near Monaco)

“During training on the morning of Sunday 5 July, Winston BOGARDE (15) injured his right ankle and was taken to hospital. I don’t know the exact nature of the injury for the moment, but I think it’s a fracture. In any case, he will not be able to play on Tuesday 7 July for the semi-final against BRAZIL. It’s extremely disappointing for him and for the team, especially now that Arthur NUMAN (5) has been suspended. Winston BOGARDE would have replaced Arthur NUMAN for this match, had he not been injured.

Otherwise, André OOIJER (13) is still suffering from an injured ankle, and will not be able to play on Tuesday. Aron WINTER (20), with an injured toe, and Marc OVERMARS (14), with a thigh injury, will try-out for selection tomorrow morning, Monday 6 July. With regard to the latter, I hope he will be able to play at least part of the match, as with ARGENTINA.

I’m satisfied with the performance of the team. We’ve made it to the semi-finals, having knocked-out ARGENTINA, a great footballing nation, and I’m proud of that. While he kept a low profile, Gabriel BATISTUTA (9) was nonetheless dangerous on occasion in front of the Dutch goal area.

For the moment, we’ll be concentrating on our next opponents, BRAZIL. For some years now, they’ve been changing their game, which has become less artistic, and I think that’s a shame for the ‘spectacle’. Despite this, they’re efficient and obtain good results. They have some very strong individual midfielders and forwards.

Our game is less defensive and more attractive than that of the BRAZILIANS, with more risk as well. If the NETHERLANDS team lose this ‘will to forge ahead’, the Dutch supporters will put the blame on me, and they’d be right to do so.”