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Originally Posted by Bertrand
Local journalists predict a Romanian victory, due to a Dutch scheme planned not to meet Italy and France again.
I seriously doubt it.
OK, Van Basten might pick guys from his bench, but his subs aren't out of shape worthless players. Besides, the bench option was welcomed as a bright move, when Aimé Jacquet and Roger Lemerre did for France on their 3rd game group stage in 1998 and 2000 (a victory in 1998 against Denmark, a defeat in 2000 against the Oranges - so, yes, a group leader defeat might occur).
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In Euro 2000 both Holland and France had already qualified with 6 points out of two games when they met each other; France fielded their subs in that game, but not Holland (except for Westerveld being the goal keeper). Holland being one of the host nations had some moral obligations towards the home crowd though, which they won't have this time.
I reckon Ooijer and De Jong won't play (because of yellow cards) and maybe some players who did a lot of running vs Italy and France will get rested too. I think Van Basten has hinted that the players can decide that for themselves. I reckon Kuyt will play, surely Van Persie too because he needs more match fitness. Maybe Robben too, but on the other hand he's made out of glass so may get spared. Heitinga will play I'm sure and probably Huntelaar will get his first minutes of the tournament too.
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Originally Posted by Bertrand
The only arranged game I remember was Austria-West Germany during the 1982 world cup.
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It's sometimes being said about Argentina-Peru from the 1978 world cup too.
Holland-Ireland during the 1990 world cup was a bit of a joke too during the last 10 minutes, both teams playing the bal around on their own half after realising England were 1-0 up against Egypt.