TEAM NEWS: Huntelaar & Van der Vaart start for Netherlands in crunch clash with Portugal

18/06/2012 3:50:00 AM

Bert van Marwijk has left son-in-law Mark van Bommel and Ibrahim Afellay out of his team's final Group B match against the Seleccao, who are unchanged from the win over Denmark

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has elected to drop captain Mark van Bommel for his side's crucial Euro 2012 clash against Portugal.

The Dutch trainer had been widely criticised for deploying two defensive midfielders for his side's first two matches, losses against Denmark and Netherlands.

However, he has now elected to replace the PSV-bound veteran with Rafael van der Vaart, a more offense-minded option.

Meanwhile, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has come in for Ibrahim Afellay, prompting an attacking reshuffle which will see Robin van Persie drop a little further back, with the Schalke striker acting as a lone front man. Ron Vlaar replaces John Heitinga at the back.

Meanwhile, Portugal boss Paulo Bento has named an unchanged side from the XI which started the loss to Germany and the win against Denmark.

Silvestre Varela, who scored the winning goal against Morten Olsen's side last time out after coming off the substitutes' bench, has been left out.

There had also been question marks as to whether Helder Postiga would continue to spearhead the attack, but Bento has elected to keep faith in the Zaragoza striker. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is yet to score in the competition, continues on the left wing.

Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Vlaar, Mathijsen, Willems; De Jong, Van der Vaart; Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben; Huntelaar

Portugal (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Coentrao; Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles; Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo

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