Dutch face dilemma over Huntelaar and Van Persie
Source: Agencies |
June 7, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
As one of the world's most lethal strikers, Klaas Jan Huntelaar always takes a straight line toward goal. So when faced with the question of who would be the star of the Euro 2012, he immediately retorted, "Of course, Huntelaar."
That is, if he can get the coveted striker's spot in the Netherlands starting lineup. With only days before the Group B opener against Denmark on Saturday, it looks destined for Robin van Persie.
Despite being given the center forward's trademark No. 9 shirt, and being the top scorer of the qualifying tournament with 12 goals, it might not be enough for Huntelaar. He was the top scorer in the Bundesliga, but Van Persie matched that in the English Premier League.
What should be a luxury for the Dutch could still turn into a divisive issue. Just about every one of the 16.7 million fans in the Netherlands has a clear opinion on the issue, but within the team, all players refer to the coach.
"It's hard for me to say. It is not my job," Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart said. "In the last two friendlies, Van Persie played."
And on both occasions, the Dutch won. "It is always good to have somebody on the bench with a good quality," Van der Vaart added.
When Huntelaar started as a center forward against Bulgaria in the first preparation game, the Dutch lost 1-2.
While Van Persie personifies beauty on the pitch, Huntelaar counts by goals only. He can never be blamed for lack of effort. In the past, Van Marwijk has leaned toward Van Persie, hoping that beyond his instinct for goals, he will add that dash of creative brilliance. But with 29 goals in the Bundesliga, Huntelaar also feels his time has come.
"I've said enough about it," Huntelaar said.
That is, if he can get the coveted striker's spot in the Netherlands starting lineup. With only days before the Group B opener against Denmark on Saturday, it looks destined for Robin van Persie.
Despite being given the center forward's trademark No. 9 shirt, and being the top scorer of the qualifying tournament with 12 goals, it might not be enough for Huntelaar. He was the top scorer in the Bundesliga, but Van Persie matched that in the English Premier League.
What should be a luxury for the Dutch could still turn into a divisive issue. Just about every one of the 16.7 million fans in the Netherlands has a clear opinion on the issue, but within the team, all players refer to the coach.
"It's hard for me to say. It is not my job," Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart said. "In the last two friendlies, Van Persie played."
And on both occasions, the Dutch won. "It is always good to have somebody on the bench with a good quality," Van der Vaart added.
When Huntelaar started as a center forward against Bulgaria in the first preparation game, the Dutch lost 1-2.
While Van Persie personifies beauty on the pitch, Huntelaar counts by goals only. He can never be blamed for lack of effort. In the past, Van Marwijk has leaned toward Van Persie, hoping that beyond his instinct for goals, he will add that dash of creative brilliance. But with 29 goals in the Bundesliga, Huntelaar also feels his time has come.
"I've said enough about it," Huntelaar said.
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